INTO THE FINALS! Match Report v Blues
And just like that, Matatū are through to the Super Rugby Aupiki final. It’s a short competition and those who put in the work at the end come away with the spoils.
Matatū played the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday 19 March, a rematch of their Round 1 battle in Dunedin when the South Islanders beat the Aucklanders by two points, notching up their first-ever Aupiki win (the competition is only in its second year).
The Blues opened the scoring with two penalties within the first 10 before Kendra Reynolds made the most of a tidy set piece and cut through the Blues line. Converted by Holmes and after 15 minutes the score is 7-6.
Some solid carries and pinpoint passing resulted in a team try for the Blues within only a few minutes, touched down by Katelyn Vaha’akolo but unconverted by Krysten Cottrell. 7-11 to the Blues.
The end of the first half was owned by Matatū with Chey Robins-Reti dotting down twice before the half-time whistle blew. A single successful conversion from Holmes and Matatū headed for the sheds up 19-11.
A fast-paced first half is what you’d expect from a semi-final, with pressure mounting on both to convert opportunities and minimise errors. A few mishandles from both sides resulted in some loose ball, but eagerness for running rugby was there.
Matatū came close soon after the whistle blew to start the half, with Robins-Reti getting over the line but the ball coming loose in her hand before grounding. Blues pounced back moments later with Patricia Maliepo adding five under the posts and Cottrell adding the extras. 19-18 to Matatū
Hopes of a South Island team in the final were dampened in the 69th when Liana Mikaele-Tu’u drove to the line to make it 23-19. Unconverted and with 10 minutes to go, tensions and nerves were high before Matatū made their way up the field after a short kick-off led to a penalty to the visitors.
Amy du Plessis charged up the middle of the field before offloading to Marcelle Parkes with a huge carry up to the 5. Some quick moves to the right wing found Robins-Reti who nipped up the outside of Blues defense to touch down for five points, Holmes adding the final 2. 26-23.
Some huge defense from Matatū to close out the 80 minutes and secure the final berth. The match gave us everything we could have hoped for in a semi-final with a huge team effort dotted with individual moments
Matatū now take on the Chiefs Manawa at FMG Stadium Waikato at 2.05pm on Saturdday 25 March.