Match Preview | Matatū v Blues
The Countdown is on.
The girls will be playing back on home soil. In front of our fans, whānau and friends, we are ready to back them all the way. Matatū are in Dunedin to kickstart their first game of the season against the Blues. This will be an epic match to get the ball rolling for the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki season.
Blair Baxter, Head Coach of Matatu, is all set to begin an exciting season ahead,
“We feel we are in a good space, we’ve prepared well. We know that this campaign is short and fast. The first 3 rounds are a good chance for us to nail off what we’re trying to achieve in the campaign.”
Exciting times for the Matatu whānau as they head into Round 1, with eight players - Grace Brooker, Charntay Poko, Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Eilis Doyle, Sera Naiqama, Leah Miles, Georgia Cormick, and Cindy Nelles - potentially taking the field for their debut.
Grace Brooker will be lacing her boots up with a lot of excitement and emotions, returning to play for the first time since her injury. Baxter said, “ I can’t speak highly enough of her, she’s worked so extremely hard to be where she is today. So, it’ll be an emotional time for the group and her”.
Alana Bremner, Matatu captain, said, “playing at home, having our friends and whānau out there is gonna be so special to us, it’s all about the connections”.
“So excited, I know that a lot of the girls, when that final whistle blows, will be eager to be able to connect with the crowd,” Alana said.
The girls are in a really good space as they bring it home, to take on the Blues for Round 1.
We are excited to get out there!
This one will be special as our girls are home.