Mererangi Paul of Chiefs Manawa scores. Super Rugby Aupiki. Photo: Jeremy Ward
The Chiefs Manawa have a chip on their shoulder ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby Aupiki final against the Blues women at Eden Park.
They were firm favourites heading into last season's title decider, but were upset in a shock loss to South Island side Matatū.
Chiefs and Black Ferns back Mererangi Paul says that defeat was a bitter pill to swallow.
"There's a few of us still hurting from that loss and we know what that feeling was like and we don't want to repeat it. That hunger is inside of us to come out on top this weekend."
The Manawa are also the bookies pick to win this year, despite having lost their last two matches of the regular season.
Paul is adamant those defeats haven't dented the side's confidence.
"We know those losses were largely down to our own mistakes that we just need to fix and go back to the drawing board and fix those little things that we aren't quite getting. But nah, the confidence is still high and the vibes are good."
However, she's wary of a Blues women's side who have won four straight games, including a 40-26 win over the Manawa at the end of last month.
Blues fullback Patricia Maliepo heads for the tryline. Photo: Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
"I'll give it to them, they're a good side. They have a lot of attacking threats right across the park. They've got a strong forward pack. We need to be aware of that but also focus on ourselves and our game plan."
Paul knows the Manawa will need to be better than the last time they played, but she's bullish about their ability to make the necessary adjustments.
"A major one for us is our set piece. Usually we're quite strong in our lineout and scrum and that side let us down in the last game. Just small things like getting the calls right. And then just stringing along phases of play and if we get our game drivers to lead us well in that area, we should be ok.
"The Blues having the game at Eden Park and having home ground advantage will make it tough, but we're definitely up for the challenge. We can't wait.
"One more game to go, so hopefully we can come out on top and finish the season on a high."
Mererangi Paul of Chiefs Manawa scores a try. Photo: www.photosport.nz
While the Chiefs Manawa have won the Aupiki title before, in the inaugural competition in 2022, Paul is yet to taste success with the side.
"I actually haven't won an Aupiki competition. Last time the Chiefs won I was in the wider training group and didn't play so it would be good to win this one.
"I haven't envisioned myself holding up that trophy, but man it would feel good if we do get to."
Twenty-four-year-old Paul, from Whakatāne, played one season in netball's ANZ Premiership with the Northern Mystics in 2017 and only started playing rugby as a 20-year-old with the Rotoiti club.
The Super Rugby Aupiki final is on Saturday at Eden Park with kickoff at 4:05pm.