Matatū Gallant In Final Match
[Thanks to stuff.co.nz for the match report]
The Hurricanes Poua recorded their first Super Rugby Aupiki win against Matatū after an inspired display from two-try Black Ferns winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga.
There was plenty at stake in the first of the final-round matches, albeit with the Chiefs Manawa and the Blues contesting the big prize, the first title, later at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday night.
Neither the Hurricanes nor Matatū had previously won in the inaugural women’s Super Rugby and fought tooth and nail in another entertaining spectacle that welcomed Black Ferns great Kendra Cocksedge into the historic competition.
Cocksedge started at halfback for Matatū after missing their two defeats to the Chiefs and the Blues but could not prevent a third, with international team-mate Leti-I'iga in stunning form for the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes failed to capitalise on pressure in their opening defeat to the Chiefs on Thursday, but they were impressive nonetheless after a Covid-19 outbreak ripped through the squad before the competition.
However, in a classic game of two halves, Matatū stormed back after a dominant first half from the Poua, who were clinical when it mattered.
The southerners were blown away physically against the Blues but got stuck into the Hurricanes, winding up the control with their forwards to keep the Poua pinned in their own 22 for lmost of the second half.
Matatū mounted several attacks but could not push their way over the line, despite strong performances from Black Ferns forwards Alana and Chelsea Bremner and prop Pip Love.
The Hurricanes made a lighting start from kick-off and created space for power runner Leti-I'iga to crash through defenders.
Carys Dallinger booted the opening penalty goal from that attack and added another after Cocksedge had replied with Matatū’s first points.
It was 20 minutes until either line was breached after a scrappy start and a magical offload from skipper Sarah Hirini gave the dangerous Leti-I'iga an easy finish for the first try.
The Black Fern’s excellent carries inspired her team-mates, with No 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker charging forward with one outstanding break, as the Hurricanes grew in confidence throughout.
They still only led 11-6 at half-time as Matatū hung in there, introducing bulldozing prop Ashley Palu for some punishing surges, but the Poua’s defence resisted.
Matatū had two tries ruled out early in the second half after turning the screw with their dominant scrum, although they were struggling to take advantage with the momentum having swung their way.
The Poua were on the back foot and lost prop Marilyn Live to the sinbin under immense pressure.
Matatū’s failure to strike with an extra player for 10 minutes after spending long spells of the second half camped in the Hurricanes’ 22.
The Hurricanes Poua celebrating their first win in Super Rugby Aupiki.
The Poua’s defence dug in, withstanding wave after wave of attacks on their line and several rolling mauls, and Leti-I'iga’s brilliant second try in the 57th minute was a decisive blow against the run of play.
She collected a bouncing ball in space out wide on the left and sprinted past Matatū defenders with ease for an excellent finish from more than 20 metres.
Hurricanes Poua 18 (Ayesha Leti-I'iga 2 tries; Carys Dallinger 2 pen, con) Matatū 6 (Kendra Cocksedge 2 pen). HT: 11-6.