MATCH REPORT: Matatū pushed to the final play as Blues claim 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki title

Matatū's Super Rugby Aupiki campaign has ended in heartbreak, falling 28-21 to nib Blues Women after a dramatic grand final at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

In front of a passionate home crowd, Matatū produced a courageous performance that looked destined to force extra time before the Blues found a way to strike in the final moments and secure a third consecutive Super Rugby Aupiki title.

The visitors were the first to score when hooker Atlanta Lolohea crashed over after sustained pressure close to the line, giving the Blues an early 7-0 lead.

Matatū responded through patience and persistence.

After more than 20 phases camped on the Blues line, the home side finally broke through when Sarah Jones powered over under the posts. Maia Joseph added the extras to level the scores.

The momentum continued to swing Matatū's way minutes later. Kaipo Olsen-Baker carried strongly down the left edge before producing a superb offload, allowing Maia Davis to move the ball on quickly to Alena Saili, who finished brilliantly in the corner. Joseph's touchline conversion gave Matatū a 14-7 lead.

The Blues kept searching for a way back into the contest, but Matatū's defence stood strong throughout the opening 40 minutes, forcing errors and creating turnover opportunities.

Despite being reduced to 14 players late in the half, the home side held firm to take a seven-point advantage into the break.

The defending champions emerged from half-time with renewed energy.

Katelyn Vaha'akolo crossed in the corner just minutes into the second spell before Ruahei Demant added the conversion to level the scores at 14-all.

As the game tightened, field position became critical. The Blues eventually found a breakthrough midway through the second half when Atlanta Lolohea scored her second try of the afternoon, allowing Demant to push the visitors into a 21-14 lead.

Inspired by an outstanding performance from Jones and relentless work from Olsen-Baker, Laura Bayfield and the forward pack, the home side continued to challenge the Blues defence.

Their opportunity came when Blues lock Maama Vaipulu was shown a yellow card for head contact with Georgia Ponsonby.

With the numerical advantage, Matatū marched deep into Blues territory. From a lineout inside the 5-metre zone, the forwards drove toward the line before replacement hooker Ponsonby reached out to score.

The conversion was anything but straightforward, but Joseph held her nerve from near the touchline to level the scores at 21-all with only minutes remaining. The noise around the stadium suggested momentum had swung completely in Matatū's favour.

Extra time appeared inevitable but instead, the Blues delivered one final act.

After forcing a turnover inside Matatū territory, they worked patiently through multiple phases before Demant fired a long pass to Vaha'akolo. The winger found enough space to dive over in the corner and break Matatū hearts with the final play of the match. Demant's sideline conversion sealed the 28-21 victory.

Captain Grace Brooker says the result was deeply disappointing, but she was immensely proud of the effort shown by her side.

"We believed we could win. I think we had everything there that we could win, but in the end the Blues took the opportunities, and they made the most of them," says Brooker.

"I'm still so proud of the girls. The season that we've had has been unreal. The crowds that we've brought in, the fandom that we've had this season has been second to none.

"I think our defence really was incredible today. We still played some amazing rugby and it was a great game out there."

While the season didn't end with silverware, Brooker says leading the side throughout the year has been one of the greatest honours of her career.

"To be named captain and to be able to lead these girls is a massive honour. They're a group of amazing wahine toa; they do everything to make the most of their opportunities, they're the most professional team I've ever worked with, and they care so much about rugby and about each other.

Although the result will sting, Brooker believes the foundations have been laid for even greater things to come.

"We're just getting started. I think we've pushed the ceiling this year with what women's rugby has looked like in the past, so I think we can only grow from here. We're fuelled by this loss as we were last year, but we're going to come back better, stronger, fitter, faster and more skilful."

The result brings Matatū's 2026 campaign to a close, but the season leaves behind a powerful legacy. The growth in crowds, support and connection with fans throughout the South Island has helped raise the profile of women's rugby to new heights.

Thank you to each and every one of our fans this season – your support has meant everything to us. Our season didn’t end how we wanted, but we will be back stronger than ever in 2027, and we can’t wait to have you alongside us.

Final score: Matatū 21 – 28 nib Blues Women