MATCH REPORT: Matatū climb to the top of the table with win over nib Blues Women
Matatū have surged to the top of the Super Rugby Aupiki table, delivering a composed 27–21 win over defending champions nib Blues Women in Pukekohe to remain unbeaten through three rounds.
After a fast start, a late Blues surge, and a tense final quarter, it was first five Hannah King who delivered the decisive blow – finishing a well-worked attacking sequence in the 70th minute before guiding Matatū through the closing stages to seal a statement victory.
Matatū made their intent clear from the outset, applying early pressure and forcing mistakes from the Blues inside their own half. Their discipline was rewarded in the eighth minute when Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos was sent to the sin bin, creating an immediate opportunity.
The visitors didn’t hesitate to take charge. Kaipo Olsen-Baker powered over to open the scoring, with King converting to give Matatū an early lead. Minutes later, King added a penalty to extend the advantage as Matatū continued to control territory and possession.
Their accuracy continued to pay off in the 20th minute. After multiple phases inside the Blues 22, the ball was shifted wide where Winnie Palamo finished in the corner, pushing Matatū out to a commanding 17–0 lead.
The Blues found a response soon after, with Liana Mikaele-Tu’u crossing late in the first half to close the gap, but Matatū held firm to take a 17–7 lead into the break.
The momentum began to shift after the break, with the Blues lifting their tempo and applying consistent pressure. That intent paid off early in the second half when Jaymie Kolose crossed out wide, closing the gap and bringing the home crowd into the contest.
King responded with another penalty to steady things, but the match continued to swing as both sides traded territory and possession.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, the Blues took the lead for the first time. A strong maul provided the platform before Atlanta Lolohea broke away to score, and with the conversion added, the defending champions edged in front.
Matatū’s response was immediate. Receiving the ball deep in their own half, Binky Muamua injected energy into the attack, beating defenders and breaking into space down the left edge to put the Blues defence under pressure. Quick ball followed, and as the phases built, the opportunity emerged. The ball was shifted through the hands before King stepped up, slicing through the line to score what would prove to be the match-winning try.
She converted from the sideline to push Matatū back in front, and from there the visitors showed control in the moments that mattered most. The Blues pressed hard in the closing minutes, throwing everything at the line, but Matatū’s defence held firm. Repeat efforts, physical collisions, and calm decision-making ensured they closed out the final stages and secured the win.
The result not only maintains Matatū’s unbeaten start, but also hands the defending champions their first loss in 15 matches, marking a significant statement at the halfway point of the competition.
Matatū captain Grace Brooker says the group is staying grounded despite the result.
“We’re just taking it one game at a time, but we knew they were a quality side. The competition is so competitive – it feels like it’s getting better every week,” says Brooker.
She says the ability to respond under pressure was a key factor in the win.
“We knew it was going to be a tough battle right across the park. I’m really proud of how we fronted up, especially defensively. We stuck in the fight and backed ourselves in those big moments,” says Brooker.
Brooker says the group is focused on continuing to grow as the competition progresses.
“We’re never satisfied. We’ll celebrate this one, but we know there’s more in us. We haven’t hit our best yet, and that’s exciting,” says Brooker.
“We put a mountain of work in each week, and the girls are true professionals. We want to be better, and we want to keep growing together.”
Final score: Matatū 27, nib Blues 21
