The Hurricanes Poua squad has had to withdraw from its round one fixture with Matatu after some Covid tests proved positive. Quite apart from the massive sense of disappointment for them and their opponents, missing out on a much anticipated start to their Aupiki adventure, this is grievously troubling for Kiwi rugby as a whole.
The Super Aupiki was seen as the best solution to the gap in standards between Farah Palmer Cup levels – essentially amateur – and Black Fern requirements. The competition had already been heavily criticised for being too limited – only four teams and four rounds of play – but at least it was fully professional, so a big shot in the arm for women’s rugby.
The fixture list below reveals what is left over. It is hardly sufficient to put right the shortcomings found on the autumn tour of Europe. Just five matches survive, and they include Hurricanes’ remaining fixtures which are surely in some doubt.
More must now depend on the summer programme NZR can lay on. Simply put, the more test matches the Black Ferns can squeeze in the better. No amount of squad training can make up for the shortfall in international matchplay experience.
Rearranged Schedule (all times local)
Round One
Thursday 10 March – FMG Stadium Waikato
Hurricanes Poua v Blues, 3.35 pm – MATCH CANCELLED
Chiefs Manawa v Matatū, 7.05 pm
Round Two
Tuesday 15 March – FMG Stadium Waikato
Chiefs Manawa v Hurricanes Poua, 3.35 pm
Blues v Matatū, 7.05 pm
Round Three
Sunday 20 March – FMG Stadium Waikato
Matatū v Hurricanes Poua, 5.05 pm
Blues v Chiefs Manawa, 7.35 pm
