Mere Baker on Super Rugby Aupiki

How's New Zealand Super Rugby Aupiki women's competition is shaping up in the eyes of Mere Baker.

Former pro rugby player and coach, turned commentator Mere Baker shares her take on round two of the Super Rugby Aupiki women’s competition, as well as her picks for round three.

ROUND TWO STAR

Renee Holmes (Matatu).

She is always in the right spot. The Black Fern scored two tries and was sensational in defence. Every time she attacked with space she created opportunities and moments that gave Matatu an attacking advantage. She positioned herself well and showed courage at the back. 

PROMISING PROSPECT

Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (Hurricanes Poua).

The daughter of two touch legends and Maori sevens international, showed some class on the edge. Autumn has previously been playing league in the NRL and the Kiwi Fern showed in round two why she is seen as a promising player.

She collected a tip-ball from prop Krystal Murray and still had 30m to work with. She used her stutter step to go in and out and then put her afterburners on to finally score in the corner.

MATATU WATCH

One win down and a close match against Poua, this round three match against the Chiefs looms as crucial for Matatū.

Matatū probably has the best counterattack of the competition with Renee Holmes and Cheyenne Robbins Reti linking up to create a formidable attacking combination. Matatū also has the best scrum in the competition, the front row is a total Black Fern combination, and they showed that Mike Cron has made some great changes.

If Matatū is to win against the defending champion Chiefs team it will need to clean up its midfield defence and will need to get its line speed consistent. This team has made a big improvement from last year and is using their impact players wisely.

MERE’S ROUND THREE PICKS

Chiefs Manawa v Matatū - Saturday, 2.05pm

(Chiefs to win by 15)

The Chiefs are going to be tough. They probably have the ability to score from any part of the ground, this will be a game that the Chiefs will win, but again it will be tight if Matatū can continue their attacking mindset.

Hurricanes Poua v Blues - Saturday, 4.35pm

(Poua to win by 1)_ 

Hurricanes are the most resilient and consistent team in the competition, their Achillies heal is their scrum, but they do have backs like Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali leading the charge in defence and attack.

The Blues have been slow to start and really frantic attack, and with that has starved them from front foot ball. They do have a dynamic forward pack and when on form a dynamic backline.

I'm picking Poua to scrape by.