Speaking to NewsTalk ZB, she praised Moana Pasifika's breakthrough performance, highlighting it as part of a broader shift across the competition.

“Every week is unpredictable, and that’s what’s bringing fans back. The gap between teams is tighter than ever. We've been close in nearly every match. It's not just us, the competition as a whole has become much more even."

Sorensen emphasised that Super Rugby franchises are increasingly working together to grow the game, especially when it comes to fan engagement.

"You're seeing things like Fantasy Rugby being introduced, reffing mics improving transparency, and a real focus on faster, more continuous play," Sorensen said.

The team’s new home at North Harbour Stadium has also helped solidify their presence.

“It’s world class....the North Harbour community has welcomed us in. We’ve had more fans through the gates than any of the previous four seasons.”

Looking ahead, Sorensen pointed to key areas of focus: keeping fans in stadiums, optimising the draw to better suit local audiences, and ensuring the long-term financial health of the sport. "If rugby is primarily a broadcast product, we need to think about the markets that can sustain that," she said.

Despite past criticism of Super Rugby’s direction, Sorensen believes this season marks a turning point.

“Our star is rising. It feels like we’ve hit the right mix; exciting games, strong viewership, and fans who are ready to believe in the game again.

"We're proud, we’re fighting, and we’re just getting started.”