Matatū Claim First Ever Aupiki Win
Matatū have notched up their first-ever Super Rugby Aupiki win in epic style.
The girls headed south to Dunedin on Saturday 25 February to take on the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium, their first-ever home game. They took the competition points with their 33-31 win over the Blues and currently sit second on the table behind reigning Champions, Chiefs Manawa.
Matatū are proud to represent the whole South Island region, and playing in front of home fans for the first time brought huge positive vibes. Thanks to all those who turned out and tuned in – your support is huge and felt by all the girls and team management.
Kendra Reynolds opened the scoring with a try in the sixth minute, converted quickly by Renee Holmes. This started a 30-minute points run with captain Alana Bremner dragging Blues players over the line in the 18th minute and Martha Mataele hustling over in the 27th. Together with another conversion from Holmes, the girls were up 19-0 by the 28th minute.
Grace Gago opened the Blues’ account in the 30th, quickly countered by Di Hiini in the 32nd before a converted Jaymie Kolose (Blues) try settled the halftime score at 26-14 to Matatū when the teams retreated to the sheds for oranges.
Lucy Jenkins opened the second stanza after four minutes with a converted try, before the Blues made a run for it right until the final whistle. Nervous scenes post-80 minutes with Sophie Fisher touching down to bring the Blues within two points. Captain Ruahei Demant’s conversion didn’t land, bringing Northern agony and Southern elation.
Blair Baxter, Matatū Head Coach, said he was “extremely proud of the mahi”.
“The girls put in a massive shift tonight, exceptional work and I know they’re all super proud of themselves,” Baxter said, speaking shortly after the final whistle.
“The Blues played an outstanding game, they’re a quality side and the competition will be tough throughout the season, but for now we’re just really stoked of the way we hung in there.”
“This competition is short and sharp so any chance to get off to a bang is important.”
Eight players were on debut for Matatū on Saturday, with new talent alongside experienced practitioners making for a formidable combination heading into Round 2 and Matatū’s second home game in Christchurch.
Matatū 33 (Kendra Reynolds, Alana Bremner, Martha Mataele, Di Hiini, Lucy Jenkins tries; Renee Holmes 4 con)
Blues Women 31 (Jayme Kolose 2, Grace Gago, Katelyn Vaha’akolo, Sophie Fisher tries; Ruahei Demant 3 con)
HT: 26-14