Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Les Elder: Super Rugby Aupiki shift lifts women's rugby to new level
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 20th, 2026 1:05 pm
Amy du Plessis of Matatu is tackled by Ruahei Demant of the Blues | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
The growing quality of Super Rugby Aupiki has been reflected in the tightness of this year’s competition, with the Blues and Matatū set to meet in Saturday’s final after another close battle last weekend.
The final will be a rematch of last week's semi-final, where the Blues beat Matatū 38-29 to book their place in the decider.
While Matatū have been the benchmark for much of the season, former Black Fern Les Elder told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy the gap across the competition has clearly narrowed, with improved skill levels, better goal-kicking and more consistent performances producing closer results.
“This is the first time that Aupiki’s been what they, title as full-time where they are majority centralised throughout the week and a lot of the girls aren't having to return to work and all those sorts of things.
“Some are, but the majority aren't, and I reckon that's having a real impact on skill level because skill level has just jumped leaps and bounds.
How about the Poua! | Scotty & Izzy
“We're now going up in twos and threes, not just in five points. We're kicking conversions, we're kicking penalties, and that's a result of more resourcing, which we all know, when you put more in, you'll get more out.”
It has become evident in recent weeks with most games being decided by less than a try.
Matatū’s consistency made them the standard-setters across the campaign, but their momentum was disrupted in the final rounds after losing No. 10 Hannah King to injury.
The Blues, meanwhile, have built into the season and appear to have found their best rugby.
“The Blues have definitely peaked at the right time,” says Elder.
She said the development of players not only helps the Aupiki competition, but also increases selection possibility for the Black Ferns ahead of theit first game in August.
Listen to the full interview below:
