Alina Langenbuch from Germany has emerged as the first international winner of the Super Rugby Aupiki Play Predictor on NZR+, showcasing the growing global appeal of women’s rugby. Her victory in Round 5 has impressed both her fellow competitors and the Play Predictor team at NZR+, proving that passion for the game knows no borders.
"I can’t believe that I won Round 5 of the Super Rugby Aupiki Play Predictor. How cool is this!" Alina told us, Her enthusiasm underlines the excitement generated by the Play Predictor, an easy-to-enter prediction game on NZR+ that has significantly enhanced the viewing experience for over 10,000 rugby enthusiasts since launch.
Alina's journey to victory highlights her dedication and strategic approach. "I really love playing the Predictor games on NZR+," she shared, emphasising the added layer of engagement it provides. "Not only that the games are now even more interesting to watch, but because you are desperate for your predictions to play out."
Initially, the complexity of predicting various aspects of a single match posed a challenge. "First I struggled a bit with making so many predictions for one game, but now I really like it. I think it’s because you can still get a few points even if your final score prediction isn’t quite right," she admitted. However, Alina quickly adapted, developing a tactical approach that combined analysis and intuition.
Her winning strategy now involves the same process: "I use my own tactics. I look at the last round of matches, and the season so far, and then I predict. I would have to be honest and say I use my gut feeling and then hope for a bit of luck." She further explained her commitment to staying informed: “I watch every Super Rugby Pacific match live on NZR+ and on Thursdays I make sure I check the squad line-ups before making my predictions. It's super exciting this season. I can’t wait for more action to come!" Alina told us - she’s entered both the Pacific and Aupiki editions of the Play Predictor throughout the season.
The timing of her victory couldn't have been more fortuitous. "It’s really kind of funny that I’ve now won a Shop voucher. Ever since Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific, I’ve been thinking of buying a Super Hero Jersey and yesterday I decided - no it's too expensive - but hey! Now I can buy it! So now I just need to decide if I should take the cooler jersey from the Chiefs or the jersey for my second home which is Christchurch - so the Crusaders." This delightful coincidence adds a personal touch to her win, transforming a simple prediction game into a memorable experience.
Alina expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt message: "So I can only say thank you and Ka pai to the NZR+ team!" Her appreciation resonates with the spirit of the game, fostering a sense of community among rugby fans across the globe.
For those eager to emulate Alina's success, the Super Rugby Aupiki season is still on-going, offering ample opportunities to participate in the Play Predictor. With the final rounds approaching, fans can test their rugby knowledge and compete for a $150 NZD All Blacks Shop voucher. To get started, simply visit the Gaming tab on NZR+.
For the 2025 season, fans across 58 countries can enjoy the full Super Rugby Pacific experience live and free on NZR+.
Super Rugby Pacific matches will be available to watch live and on-demand for free with an NZR+ account in the following territories:
Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, West Bank, Gaza Strip and Palestine, China, India and Sri Lanka, Portugal, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine.
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