Azalleyah Maaka scores a try, during the Super Rugby Aupiki Round one game between Chiefs Manawa and Hurricanes Poua. Photo: Photosport
Early competition favourites Chiefs Manawa have made an early statement to kick off Super Rugby Aupiki
Manawa have crushed Hurricanes Poua 46-24 in round one at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
The match saw 13 debutants introduced to Aupiki, 10 of which were playing their first game for Poua.
Hooker Luka Connor and flanker Kennedy Simon each bagged doubles in the bonus point victory.
Black Fern Chelsea Semple made her return to rugby in the ten jersey following maternity leave.
She told Sky Sport it was great to slot in at the position where her career started.
She said despite the scoreline, they have plenty of work to do.
"These girls make you work hard, we had an awesome pre-season, but things weren't sticking today, you will some exciting rugby when things do stick."
Scorers:
Manawa 46 (Simon 2, Connor 2, Maaka, Tui, Paraone tries, Holmes 5 cons, 1 pen)
Poua 24 (King, Sae, Edwards, tries, Waterman 2 Takitimu-Cook 1 cons, 1 pen)