Semi final Game Preview

Matatū have named their squad to take on the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday 19 March in the semi finals of Super Rugby Aupiki 2023. 

It’s finals footy time and excitement is high. 

The team fly north on Saturday afternoon after a Captain’s Run at theis base in Lincoln. They last faced the Blues in Round 1 at home in Dunedin, the locals taking the W 33-31 for their first ever Aupiki win. 

Martha Mataele kicks out to left wing for the South Island team, in a move described by Matatū Head Coach Blair Baxter as “exciting and impactful”. 

“She’s an explosive athlete, powerful, and she adds some real robustness on the outside in both attack and defense,” Baxter said. 

Alana Bremner moves into No 8, bringing power and experience to the team’s loose forwards. 

“We’re expecting to see a different Lanz in that spot. She’s an athlete that has the ability to dive into her running game and showcase some of her super powers,”Baxter said. 

Cheyenne Cunningham runs drills ahead of her potential debut - image: Matatū Rugby

Cheyenne Cunningham is set to make an impact off the bench in her debut for the side. 

“We’re really excited to have Chey on the bench for her potential debut, plenty of nerves and excitement there for her,” Baxter said. 

“There is a lot of finals experience in our side, and that’ll help our decision-making under pressure. 

“At this stage of the competition our technical and tactical prep remains the same, the difference with finals footy is the mindset.” 

Tune into Sky to watch our girls go head to head with the Blues for a spot in the Super Rugby Aupiki final. 

Key info: 

Where: North Harbour Stadium 

When: Sunday 19 March, 2023. Kick-off: 3:15pm  

Referee: Mike Winter. Assistants: Todd Petrie, Taneika Uerata