The nib Blues unbeaten streak of nine games came to an end in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash, falling 37-29 to Matatū in Whangārei on Saturday afternoon.
Our wāhine wasted no time making their mark. As Matatū attempted to clear from the kickoff, Jaymie Kolose soared to claim the high ball, with play shifting quickly to the right to find Portia Woodman-Wickliffe who turned on the jets, weaving through defenders to dot down for a 5-0 lead inside the opening two minutes.
Matatū responded with back-to-back tries, taking a 12-5 lead after 20 minutes. But the nib Blues forward pack built pressure off a penalty deep in Matatū’s half, as Aldora Itunu muscled over to level the score 12-12 through to halftime.
The nib Blues struck first in the second half when Kolose spotted a gap, sold a dummy before breaking into the 22. With a penalty advantage, they spread the ball wide, and Katelyn Vahaakolo’s clever offload sent Taufa Bason charging over to reclaim the lead.
Matatū hit back with a quickfire double, swinging momentum and taking a 24-17 lead. But our wāhine weren’t done. The forwards once again laid the platform, and Bason powered over for her second, levelling the scores once more.
Matatū edged ahead with a try and a penalty goal, but the nib Blues refused to go away. After winning a penalty deep in their own half, they kicked for territory and began working their way upfield. Strong carries from Vahaakolo and Kolose brought them within striking distance, before Vaipulu charged through the middle, drawing in defenders and freeing up space on the right. Vahaakolo finished it off with a simple stroll over the line, setting up a grandstand finish.
Despite their fightback, a late Matatū penalty put the game out of reach, sealing a 37-29 result.
Bason was outstanding, marking her starting Super Rugby Aupiki debut with a double. Vahaakolo, Kolose, and Woodman-Wickliffe were constant threats out wide.
It was a massive game that sets the stage for what promises to be an epic Super Rugby Aupiki final in a couple of weeks. With the series locked at 1-1, the two standout teams in the competition are set for a thrilling decider. But before then, the nib Blues have an important regular-season challenge against the Hurricanes Poua in a blockbuster double header at Eden Park this Saturday, with a win securing the important home advantage for the Aupiki Grand Final. See you there!