MATCH REPORT: Matatū hold firm to claim hard-fought win in Upper Hutt
Matatū have made it two from two to start their Super Rugby Aupiki campaign, holding on for a hard-fought 18–15 win over Hurricanes Poua in wet and testing conditions at Maidstone Park.
Matatū laid the foundation early, controlling possession and territory through a composed first-half performance. Their forward pack set the tone, with Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Laura Bayfield and Elinor-Plum King all prominent at set piece and around the park.
The home side were in trouble from the beginning with two yellow cards to Anahera Hamahona and Ngano Tavake.
After sustained pressure inside the Poua 22, Binky Muamua opened the scoring, finishing well out wide following a sharp setup from Maia Joseph. Matatū continued to build, and their patience was rewarded again shortly after. A strong carry from Elinor-Plum King created space on the edge, allowing Olsen-Baker to surge down the short side and cross for the visitors’ second try, helping Matatū head into the break with a 12–0 lead.
While the scoreboard reflected control, the contest was far from settled.
The Hurricanes Poua emerged from halftime with renewed intent, lifting their physicality and applying pressure on the visitors. They got a leg up when Pip Love received a yellow card for an offside infringement, and the Poua took advantage of Matatū being down to 14.
After a series of carries close to the line, Iritana Hohaia broke through to get the home side on the board.
From there, the match tightened into a tense arm wrestle. Matatū were forced to defend for long periods as the Poua dominated territory, with Ayesha Leti-I’iga providing spark on the edge and continuing to test the defensive line.
Despite the pressure, Matatū found a way to keep the scoreboard moving. Hannah King added two crucial penalties, stretching the lead and rewarding her side’s discipline at key moments.
The Poua refused to go away. Renee Holmes slotted a penalty to close the gap before Angel Mulu powered over late in the match, setting up a dramatic finish with just minutes remaining to leave the Poua trailing by just 3 points.
Matatū absorbed wave after wave of late Hurricanes Poua pressure, with Olsen-Baker leading a determined defensive effort and the forwards continuing to front under fatigue. In the final moments, the visitors showed their experience, controlling possession and working the clock before Hannah King found touch to seal the result.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was another important step forward in Matatū’s 2026 campaign.
The win sees Matatū build more momentum, while the Hurricanes Poua will take confidence from a much-improved second-half performance that pushed us all the way to the final whistle.
Attention now turns to ALL IN Round, where Matatū will face the Blues on Saturday 27 June at 7.05pm in Pukekohe in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s final.
Final score: Matatū 18, Hurricanes Poua 15
