Round 3 of Super Rugby Aupiki delivered landmark moments, and Alice Soper and Les Elder are here to break it all down.

The spotlight was on Pukekohe, where both Round 3 matches produced plenty of talking points. The Poua ended a two-year wait for victory, claiming their first win since 2023 and making even more history by defeating Manawa for the first time ever. What changed, and what does it mean for the rest of their season?

Meanwhile, Matatū continued to impress, making it three wins from three to record the best start to a season in the club's history. Are they the team to beat? And with the Blues still searching for consistency, where do last year's champions go from here?

The episode also celebrates the incredible depth of women's rugby, with 36 debutants across the Poua and Manawa highlighting the next generation of talent coming through the ranks.

With the competition at the halfway mark, Alice and Les dive into the key numbers from the season so far, exploring what the stats reveal about each team's strengths, weaknesses, and championship credentials.

Plus, they name their Team of the Week, and after another week of rivalry, it's finally time to confirm the punishment Les has to face after losing to Alice's team.

History, analysis, laughs, and a little bit of payback—it's all on this week's episode of Full Credit.

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The second round of Super Rugby Aupiki provided a clearer picture of which teams are building momentum and which players are making their mark on the competition. Alice Soper and Les Elder break down how belief and self-confidence are becoming defining factors for teams finding success early in the season.

The pair discuss the impact of debutants who stepped up under pressure, highlighting how opportunities at Aupiki level continue to accelerate growth across the women's game. They also analyse the tactical shifts coaches implemented from round one, including changes in attacking structures, defensive systems, and game management. Set pieces remain a major talking point, with lopsided improvements at lineout time proving the difference.

The episode also shines a light on key individual performances that swung momentum, alongside a detailed review of the pivotal moments that defined each contest. From game-changing plays to critical turning points, they assess what ultimately separated the winners from the losers.

Finally, with the competition table beginning to take shape, Alice and Les preview the highly anticipated top-of-the-table showdown that could have major implications for the race to the Super Rugby Aupiki title.

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Alice Soper and Les Elder break down a memorable first weekend that featured a record-breaking crowd, passionate performances and plenty of evidence that the women's game continues to build momentum. From Christchurch's buzzing rugby atmosphere to the excitement surrounding the competition's return, there was plenty for fans to celebrate.

On the field, the pair analyse the opening-round performances, looking at the physicality and intensity that defined the weekend, touching on some of the more controversial moments without losing sight of the bigger story: a competition continuing to grow in quality, confidence and support.

They discuss the early trends emerging across the competition, which teams laid down a marker, and who has work to do heading into Round Two.

With record crowds, bold performances and a season full of promise ahead, this episode is your essential review of Super Rugby Aupiki's exciting opening round.

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Success at Matatū hasn’t come from shortcuts or quick fixes. Alice Soper and Les Elder dive into the culture, planning, and vision driving the southern franchise as it continues to build one of the strongest foundations in women’s rugby.

From investing in local talent pathways to strengthening connections across every feeder province, Matatū has created an environment built on continuity, development, and opportunity. The squad and coaching group have remained steady, allowing emerging players to grow, rough talent to be refined, and future stars to take the next step toward greatness.

The franchise is already producing Black Ferns, debutants, and even coaches making their mark at the highest level — proof that the system is working. Alice and Les discuss the leadership, recruitment, retention, and community focus helping shape the club’s identity, as well as the challenges that come with maintaining success in an increasingly competitive women’s game.

With a new season approaching and expectations rising, the big question remains: can Matatū turn its blueprint into another Super Rugby Aupiki-winning campaign?

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Alice Soper and Les Elder take a deep dive into the Poua's of the biggest squad shake-ups in Aupiki history. With only 11 players retained from last season and 19 players moving on, what does this level of churn actually mean for the franchise — and is it chaos, courage, or a necessary reset?

Alice and Les break down the departures, the recruitment strategy, and why this season may ultimately be remembered as the moment the franchise stopped chasing short-term fixes and finally committed to building something sustainable.

They also spotlight the next wave of talent emerging through New Zealand’s rugby pathways — from NZ U20s camps and U18 NZ Māori to the growing impact of Black Ferns XV programmes development. These aren’t just “players for the future” anymore; they’re ready to contribute now.

The pair discuss the significance of attracting established names from outside the province, including Renee Holmes, Krystal Murray and Ona Palu, and what those signings say about the direction and ambition of the club.

It won’t be an easy season, but there are green shoots everywhere if you know where to look. This episode is about transition, trust in development, and why meaningful change in women’s rugby requires bold decisions.

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This week on Full Credit, Alice Soper and Les Elder take a deep dive into the state of Chiefs Manawa — the franchise that once set the standard in women’s rugby, but now finds itself navigating a difficult rebuild.

With major squad turnover, declining results, and changes in the coaching setup, the conversation explores how quickly success can shift in a developing competition and what happens when a powerhouse loses the core group that built its identity.

Alice and Les reflect on the legacy of the players and staff who created the foundation of Chiefs Manawa’s dominance, while also highlighting the next generation now being asked to carry the franchise forward. What can realistically be expected from a squad packed with rookies? How do you rebuild confidence, cohesion, and culture while still trying to compete at the highest level?

The episode also looks at the wider lessons for Super Rugby Aupiki franchises: sustainability, player pathways, retention, and the challenge of staying on top in a rapidly evolving women’s game.

A thoughtful conversation about leadership, legacy, and the realities of rebuilding in elite sport.

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With a new Super Rugby Aupiki season on the horizon, Alice Soper and Les Elder dive deep into the Blues’ campaign. Starting from the competition launch and early team announcements, the duo unpacks the full Blues squad. Analysing key player departures, the impact of fresh signings, and how shifting combinations could reshape the team’s identity.

They explore the influence of Black Ferns within the lineup, the evolving coaching strategies behind the scenes, and the exciting emergence of young talent—especially in a dynamic and fast-rising backline. From proven leaders to breakout prospects, no stone is left unturned in assessing who could define the Blues’ season.

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This week, Les Elder and Alice Soper wrap up an action-packed Pacific Four Series. The Black Ferns complete a clean sweep but not without leaving a few big questions on the table ahead of the end-of-year tour. What worked, what didn’t, and where are the gaps that need attention?

The duo name their team of the week, highlighting standout performers across all nations, and take a look ahead at what’s next—breaking down upcoming fixtures and what Black Ferns jerseys are still up for grabs on the end of year tour.

Before then lies the excitement of Super Rugby Aupiki. So while this international window closes, the domestic competition is kicking right off.

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