Super Rugby Aupiki: Blues Women beat Matatū to seal grand final spot
The Blues Women secured a spot in the Super Rugby Aupiki grand final after defeating Matatū 38-29 in Christchurch. The victory ends the Hurricanes Poua's season and sets up a rematch against Matatū for the title.
Why it matters
Highlights the competitive nature of women's professional rugby in New Zealand and the progression of the league's playoff structure.
This might have been something of a dress rehearsal for the Blues Women.
The two-time defending champions came into their final round-robin clash against Matatū with plenty of work to do if they were going to have a say in defending their title in the grand final.
While they still had a chance of hosting the final in what has been a tight season, after the Hurricanes Poua saw off Chiefs Manawa 47-33 earlier in the day, the Blues needed to beat the league-leading Matatū side in Christchurch to claim at least second place on the ladder.
Ultimately, they got what they came for, with a 38-29 win sealing their spot in the grand final, which will be away against Matatū, and ending the season of the resurgent Hurricanes Poua side in the process.
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