Grand Final Match Report
MATATŪ ARE AUPIKI CHAMPIONS
Matatū are Super Rugby Aupiki 2023 Champions! What an occasion for the South Island’s only Aupiki team, for women’s rugby and for all the members and fans who came along for the journey.
The team was met at Christchurch Airport on Sunday by at least 100 passionate fans, flags waving, hugs all round, photos with the trophy and smiles impossible to remove from faces.
It was a final for the ages against Chiefs Manawa at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday. The home side had never lost an Aupiki match, and Matatū were contesting a Season 2 final after losing all their games in Season 1.
It was all Chiefs Manawa in the opening 20, with three tries – two to Tanya Kalounivale – and two conversions bringing up a 19-point lead to the Manawa.
Matatū hit back with a tap and go in the 23rd minute with some strong carries up the paddock connecting with Amy Rule who brushed off a tackle to get Matatū on the board. Converted by Renee Holmes to make it 7-19.
Amy Rule gets Matatū on the board
An incredible team try followed a minute later from deep in Matatū’s half. Some solid passing through the mid field ended in Du Plessis breaking the Manawa line up over the 22, spinning out of tackles. An expert offload to Holmes who charged the last 10 and over the line. No extras from the conversion but she slotted a huge 40m penalty moments later to make it 15-19.
As if the momentum hadn’t already shifted south, a high Manawa pass was cleanly intercepted by Martha Mataele who sprinted 80m to put Matatū into the lead. Fans in the stands erupted, while viewing parties across the South Island bounced out of their seats. Converted by Holmes to make it 22-19
Martha Mataele runs 80 metres to score for Matatū after a stunning intercept
The Chiefs Manawa regained the lead from the set piece heading into half time. Mererangi Paul was on the end of three quality passes from the base of the scrum, touching down under the sticks with a successful conversion from Tenkia Willison. 22-26 at half time
Eight minutes into the second half Holmes missed a penalty, but she made up for it 10mins later with a lead-changing try on the right wing. 27-26
More for Holmes after Chiefs were given a general warning around the 65th on penalty count. The fullback slotted the penalty, and another in the 73rd to make it 33-26.
Tensions were high as the game entered its dying minutes. Some fast play from the Manawa and a penalty put into the corner put the defening champs in a perfect position to steal the game at the death. When Luka Connor touched down from a rolling maul in the 78th to make it 33-31, collective breaths were held in both camps.
Willison missed the conversion and the ball was punted deep into Manawa territory at the restart. The hosts made quick work of getting the ball forward with some desperate defence from Matatū.
Late drama with a penalty awarded to Manawa right out in front of the posts. Willison lines up to slot the winning penalty to give them a 1-point win but the kick drifts right and the game is over. Matatū take the championship!
Heartbreak for the Chiefs Manawa who missed a few opportunities in the last few minutes to clinch the title. Elation for Matatū, scarcely believing what has unfolded.
The trophy is heading south. The mahi has been worth it. Te Waka o Aoraki, our beautiful South Island, are united behind one team – Matatū!