Semifinal time: Super Rugby Aupiki with Mere Baker

How New Zealand's 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 three of the Super Rugby Aupiki women’s competition, as well as her picks for Saturday’s semifinal.

ROUND THREE STAR

Blues second five-eighth Patricia Maliepo

At 20 years of age, she plays like a young Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali. Maliepo has more speed off the mark and is an exciting prospect for the future. She single-handedly provided Blues with a win over the Hurricanes by slicing the poor defence apart to score the last try from 50m out.

There are so many stars across the pitch for the Blues. Another would be No 8, Liana Mikaele Tu’u. She plays a little like Ardea Savea - potent on attack and brave on defence.

ROUND THREE PROMISING PROSPECT

Tenika Willison -playing fullback for the Chiefs - created a fantastic try for Georgia Dails. Twinkle toes down the sideline and flicked it inside for Dails. Looks like a great pickup for the Black Ferns later in the year.

MATATU WATCH

Lucy Jenkins has been on form for Matatu. She carries well and her work rate is second to none. She is always in the thick of it on defence. She’s in the right place at the right time, and pops up to do the tight stuff so others look good,

SEMIFINAL PICKS

Chiefs v Hurricanes Poua

Chiefs win for me. I think the Hurricanes Poua are running out of steam and their bench isn't as deep as the Chiefs.

Matatu v Blues

Matatu took the first round, this will be close. All of the South Island will be cheering for Matatu, but I think the Blues will have too much-attacking power if they use it and attack with more patience.

Matatu will push them right to the wire and it will be close, but I'm going with the Blues.