MATCH REPORT: Matatū shine in front of record-breaking Christchurch crowd for Aupiki season opener against Chiefs Manawa

Matatū opened their Super Rugby Aupiki campaign in style in Christchurch, delivering a confident and composed performance in front of a record‑breaking crowd at One New Zealand Stadium. With 11,793 in attendance – more than doubling the previous record – the occasion matched the performance as the home side set the tone early and secured a 52–26 win. 

Matatū wasted little time asserting themselves, applying early pressure through their forward pack before Kaipo Olsen-Baker powered over for the opening try. That physical platform continued to pay dividends, with Maia Joseph backing up moments later to extend the lead. 

Chiefs Manawa responded through Vici-Rose Green, who twice crossed from close range to keep her side in the contest, but Matatū continued to find momentum. 

 Sustained attacking pressure and quick ball movement created space out wide, and Elinor-Plum King capitalised near the posts before Amy du Plessis added another as the home side began to pull away and stretched the score to 26-7. 

With Hannah King controlling territory and converting opportunities, Matatū continued to build scoreboard pressure. Despite moments of resistance from the visitors, including a second try to Green, the home side maintained their composure to take a 26–14 lead into the break. 

Chiefs Manawa came out with intent in the second half and immediately found a response through Leata Puni-Lio, before Ariana Bayler added another to narrow the margin and briefly swing momentum. 

Matatū, however, responded with control and accuracy. Binky Muamua struck in the corner following a well‑worked phase, before Laura Bayfield powered over from close range to steady the home side again. 

As the match opened up, Elinor-Plum King took charge. She crossed for her second from close range after quick work around the ruck, before completing her hat‑trick minutes later, stepping inside the defence to finish off a composed attacking movement to bring the score to 52-26.  

Despite continued effort from Chiefs Manawa, who remained dangerous through the middle with Mia Anderson and Kennedy Tukuafu carrying strongly, Matatū’s breakdown work and defensive pressure limited their ability to build sustained phases. 

From there, Matatū managed the closing stages effectively, controlling possession and territory to close out the match and secure a convincing opening round result. 

Grace Brooker says the moment went far beyond the result on the field. 

“That was pretty unreal. I’m proud of the girls for the performance we put out there, but prouder of Ōtautahi for coming out and supporting us and making us feel seen and making us feel heard. It’s a super special thing,” says Brooker. 

She says the experience of running out in front of a full stand at One New Zealand Stadium was something she had always dreamed of. 

“It was pretty surreal to be honest. Growing up I always wanted to be a professional rugby player, and playing in front of big crowds is the moment that you dream of. So, to come out and it was a reality was super special. 

“The result was the icing on top; it was just fantastic. The game plan that we put out there – we nailed it. We were super clear from our leads on what we needed to do next, what we needed to be better at. The debutants that came on were unreal… they just came on with confidence and that’s what we asked for. It was a full team effort,” says Brooker. 

She also hopes the crowd will be a sign of what’s to come for the competition.  

“I think it’s a call on all of Aotearoa to get around every team. I’m calling for 12,000 in every game. Hopefully the product that we put out there was a testament to that… it’s only upwards from here." 

Final score: Matatū 52, Chiefs Manawa 26