Match Report: Matatū win in Whangārei

HIGHLIGHTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE

Round 5 saw us travel to Whangārei to face unbeaten NIB Blues Women just two weeks after our match- up in Nelson.  

Conditions were perfect in the far north for the top of the table clash which was the first time Whangārei has held a Super Rugby Aupiki match. 

It didn’t take long for the reigning champions to make their move – Portia Woodman- Wickliffe broke straight through the defence to score in front of her home Northland crowd in the first two minutes.  

But the visitors hit right back. Hannah King’s penalty kick in the fifth minute went right of the sticks, but the ball remained in play and Matatū were straight on the attack for Moomooga Palu to power over the line.  

A successful conversion from Hannah King brought the score to 7-5 after seven minutes of play. 

After some impressive defensive efforts and strong phases on attack, the visitors were rewarded in the 18th minute. A quick tap from halfback Maia Joseph opened up space for Lucy Jenkins to receive the ball out wide and extend the visitors lead to 12-5. 

Matatū then gave away a penalty and the Blues have multiple bites at the try line before Aldora Itunu before beating the defence and touching down.  

A conversion by Ruahei Demant drew the score 12 all – which will be the scoreline heading into halftime. 

The home team started the second half on the front foot with Taufa Bason scoring her first ever Super Rugby Aupiki try to pull away 17-12. 

In keeping with the theme of the first half - Matatū responded almost instantly.  

Fia Laikong brilliantly picked off a pass 5 meters out from the try-line and intercepted the ball to run over the line with no defenders in sight. 

A successful conversion by Hannah King put the visitors back in front.  

The visitors go back-to-back within a matter of minutes as Lucy Jenkins scored her second try of the game putting her team in front 24-17. 

Shortly after, Matatū gave away a penalty which the Blues capitalised on. Taufa Bason picked up the ball off the back of the ruck and leaped over it to score her second try on her starting debut.  

A successful conversion drew the score yet again 24-all.  

Matatū continued their persistent defence, and Emma Dermody got the ball at the breakdown and won possession with a penalty. 

Hannah King converted the penalty to extend their lead by three.  

Matatū get on a roll again and make the most of an overthrown line-out from the Blues. Maia Joseph took the ball to the line and offloaded for Kaea Nepia to score in the corner. Hannah King’s conversion drew the visitors lead out to 10. 

The Blues kept themselves in the game within the last 10 minutes by barging down the middle and sucking in the Matatū defence. The ball is sent wide for Katelyn Vaha’akolo to dart over the line, only making the deficit five points. 

With less than four minutes to go, the home side give away a penalty which Hannah King successfully converts to put her team 8 points ahead and have the last say of the game. 

Captain Alana Bremner says she’s proud of her team's performance. 

“We’ve put in so much work this season and to see it all come together out on the field was awesome. 

“We just had to focus internally, and lift and we definitely did that,” Bremner says. 

Final score: 

Matatū 37 – 29 Blues Women