Match Report: Round 3 v nib Blues

Matatū have suffered their first defeat of the 2025 season at the hands of the nib Blues in Nelson’s first ever Super Rugby Aupiki game.

Approximately 2000 rugby fans poured into Trafalgar Park on Saturday afternoon for a 2:05pm kick-off. With both teams heading into the game unbeaten, the top of the table clash saw 11 current or former Black Ferns start for the home side.

A war of attrition soaked up 20+ minutes in the first half before Sylvia Brunt found a hole in Matatū’s defence and crashed over for the visitors

It wasn’t long before Brunt found the tryline again, extending the Blues lead to 14-0.

Matatū struck back through some impressive link up play. They stole the line out on their own 22 and went width-to-width when Amy du Plessis – who has been a standout in the first three rounds - opened things up.

She drew two defenders to put fullback Kaea Nepia into space, who shrugged out of one tackle and selflessly offloaded to Hannah King to finish – her first try in professional rugby.

There was no further joy for Matatū in the second half, as the blues put two more converted tries on the hosts to finish 28-07.

Despite the scoreline, Matatū excelled defensively in patches, bring forced to withstand long periods of sustained pressure. Debutants Hollyrae Mete, Naomi Sopoaga and Tegan Hollows all looked the part at Super Rugby level.

Looking ahead, Matatū head to Wellington next weekend to face the Hurricanes Poua again. Following that, they head to Whangarei for the return fixture aga8inst the Blues, before hosting the Chiefs Manawa back in Christchurch at Ngā Puna Wai. Tickets available here