Matatū lose to Blues in thrilling clash

[Thanks to stuff.co.nz for the match report]

The Blues have set up a grandstand finish for Super Rugby Aupiki after Covid-related reshuffles after beating Matatū 21-10 in their thrilling debut match on Tuesday night.

The Auckland side will play the Chiefs Manawa in what is effectively a final on Sunday in Hamilton.

The Blues were making their debut in the inaugural competition, while it was Matatū’s second fixture after losing last week's opener 17-15 to Chiefs, who also defeated the Hurricanes Poua 29-8 at FMG Stadium Waikato on Tuesday.

The format has been condensed into three rounds because of Covid-19's impact, but the winner of Sunday’s final match between the Chiefs and the Blues will be crowned the first champions.

Replacement outside back Mele Hufanga scored a memorable try for the Blues in the second half, as she collected a superlative offload from prop Aldora Itunu and darted past Matatū defenders to spark jubilant celebrations among her team-mates.

That seemed to have swung the contest in the Blues’ favour, but Matatū hit back with Martha Mataele’s try from a quick tap and the game was alive with 25 minutes still to play.

The Blues had more quality in key moments and their relentless pressure was too much for Matatū to withstand.

The opening quarter was beset by lineout errors and turnovers of possession. Liv McGoverne's penalty goal for Matatū was the only points either side could muster.

Matatū skipper Alana Bremner made an empathic tackle on Blues prop Krystal Murray that lifted her side's confidence and determination.

Murray, though, had the last laugh in the first half, scooping a loose ball off her toes to score on the siren with a burst through tiring Matatū defenders.

It was the least the Blues deserved after so much territory and the dominance of their pack.

The second half was more even, but scrappier after a barnstorming start for the Blues with Hufanga’s stunner.

The southerners threw the kitchen sink in the second half when the match could have got away from them.

The Blues play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Sunday. The winner will be crowned the first Super Rugby Aupiki champions.

Matatū face the Hurricanes Poua to finish their campaign.

Blues 21 (Krystal Murra, Mele Hufanga, Shannon Leota tries; Patricia Maliepo 2, Krysten Cottrell con) Matatū 10 (Martha Mataele; Liv McGoverne pen, con). HT: 7-3.