MATCH REPORT: Late heartbreak as Hurricanes Poua snatch victory in Timaru

Matatū's unbeaten run came to a dramatic end in Timaru on Saturday afternoon, with Hurricanes Poua scoring after the full-time siren to claim a 33-31 victory. 

Matatū could hardly have asked for a better start. After an early arm wrestle, Alena Saili crossed in the left corner in the 11th minute following strong work from Charntay Poko, Amy du Plessis and Maia Davis. While the conversion drifted wide, Matatū had found their rhythm and soon doubled their advantage. 

Pip Love crashed over from close range after sustained pressure inside the Poua 22, with Maia Joseph converting to extend the lead to 12-0.  

Matatū continued to dominate territory and possession, and when Kaipo Olsen-Baker powered over from close range midway through the half, Joseph's conversion pushed the score out to 19-0. 

The visitors responded through Renee Holmes after a well-worked scrum play, but Matatū looked in control as they carried a 19-5 advantage deep into the first spell.  

Hurricanes Poua finished the half strongly however, with Neve Anglesey breaking through for a converted try to reduce the deficit to 19-12 at the break. 

The momentum continued to swing after halftime as the visitors' scrum began to dominate. Arene Landon-Lane finished off a slick attacking movement to bring the Poua within two points before Holmes' conversion levelled proceedings at 19-19. 

Matatū answered immediately. Powerful carries from Olsen-Baker and Maddi Robinson created the opening before captain Grace Brooker stayed composed to gather a loose ball and score. Joseph added the extras to restore a seven-point buffer, while Hurricanes Poua winger Fia Laikong was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in the build-up. 

Despite being reduced to 14 players, the visitors continued to apply pressure through their forward pack. Iritana Hohaia burrowed over beside the posts following a lengthy spell on the Matatū goal line and Holmes converted to make it 26-26 with 10 minutes remaining. 

The home side again found a response. Emma Dermody stole a crucial lineout before Olsen-Baker charged into the Poua 22. Quick ball found Maia Davis, who raced away into the corner to hand Matatū a 31-26 lead entering the final stages.  

With time ticking away, Matatū appeared set to close out the contest. They regained possession inside their own half and earned a scrum with less than two minutes to play. But Hurricanes Poua produced one final statement through the set piece, winning a crucial tighthead turnover and launching a desperate attack deep inside Matatū territory. 

Phase after phase followed as the visitors hammered away at the line. Eventually the pressure told when Angel Mulu forced her way over beneath the posts after the full-time siren.  

Holmes calmly converted from in front to seal a stunning 33-31 victory and complete comeback from 19 points down to end our unbeaten run this season.  

Matatū will now quickly turn their attention to a crucial clash against the Blues next weekend at home. It’s a must win match to secure a home final for the first time in our history, so we need your support. 

Tickets are available here. 

Final Score: Matatū 31, Hurricanes Poua 33