Maiakawanakaulani Roos of the Blues. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Blues Women v Matatū - Super Rugby Aupiki final
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 12 April
Eden Park, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
The Blues women are hoping to make history on Saturday night and the message from captain Maia Roos is simple, enjoy the moment.
The defending champions are seeking to become the first back to back Super Rugby Aupiki title winners when they host South Island franchise Matatū at Eden Park following the Blues men's Super Rugby Pacific clash with Moana Pasifika.
Blues Women joint captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos. Photo: Lynne Cameron/ActionPress
Black Ferns lock Roos said she's told the Blues not to be overwhelmed by the size of the occasion.
"Just enjoy it. Finals footy is so special. We've earned the right to be here and we just want to play the game that we've been playing all season and then some," Roos said.
"It will be different, we have a few girls who haven't played finals, so we've gone through some strategies on how to manage the day, but just so special to be able to play under the lights at Eden Park.
The Blues women are favourites but the only loss they've had this season came at the hands of Matatū.
The hosts' midfielder, former Black Ferns and Sevens star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, said that defeat to Matatū was a good thing for the defending champs.
"We got here based on a lot of hard work and we've made a fair few mistakes this season," Woodman said.
"But I think I love mistakes and I love losing, so that timely loss to Matatū was really great. It gave is time to go home and work on the things we needed to within our game. For this weekend, everyone is hissing, we're really excited and energy is high, but we know we need to focus for finals rugby."
Blues player Dajian Brown is tackled during the Super Rugby Aupiki match against Matatū. Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
Captain Roos said the Blues are excited to play at Eden Park in front of a home crowd.
"We're hungry to get them (Matatū) back after the last game."
Matatū are happy to play underdogs, just like they were in the 2023 final when they stunned the then defending champion Chiefs Manawa to claim their maiden crown, handing the Manawa their first eve loss in Super Rugby Aupiki.
"It's so exciting to be here, it's a cutthroat competition, any team could have been in our position, so for us to be in the final is a real privilege," head coach Whitney Hansen said.
"The Blues have a phenomenal side, but so do we and that's going to make it a really exciting game to watch."
Matatū have named an unchanged backline for the final.
Maia Joseph takes on the role of halfback, with Hannah King at first five. Grace Brooker steps in to the midfield alongside Amy du Plessis.
Chey Robins-Reti claims the left wing, while Winnie Palamo starts on the right wing. Kaea Nepia is at fullback.
In the forwards, there is one change to the front row this week - Pip Love will come into prop, replacing Marcelle Parkes who is ruled out due to injury. Georgia Ponsonby will keep her starting spot at hooker and Moomooga Palu will remain at tight head.
Stacey Niao comes in at lock this week paired with Chelsea Bremner, while Captain Alana Bremner will jump back into the familiar position of blindside flanker
Laura Bayfield will start at openside with Kaipo-Olsen Baker retaining her starting spot in the No.8 jersey.
Hansen said she's excited for the opportunity for her side to run out and showcase what it means to be a part of Matatū.
"To be in this teams means being united, moulding and shaping history and leaving behind a legacy.
"I'm so proud to be a part of Matatū."
The Blues forward pack is largely unchanged from last week's victory over the Hurricanes Poua, with Holly Greenway slotting in at blindside.
The backline includes the experienced Black Ferns playmaker Ruahei Demant and first-five Krysten Cottrell, as well as Woodman-Wickliffe and Black Ferns wing Katelyn Vahaakolo.
The final will be even more special for Blues stalwarts Cottrell, Demant, and Patricia Maliepo, who will all bring up their 20 game milestone on Saturday.
Coach Willie Walker said the team is expecting a hard fought match.
"Matatū are a quality side who've shown their ability to bounce back," Walker said.
"We're preparing well and the team is excited to be playing at Eden Park in front of our home fans. We know we'll need to be at our best to retain the title, and we're ready for that challenge."
Team lists:
Blues: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Ruahei Demant, Jaymie Kolose, Krysten Cottrell, Tara Turner, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Taufa Bason, Holly Greenway, Maama Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Aldora Itunu, Atalanta Lolohea, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Grace Gago, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Harono Te Iringa, Eloise Blackwell, Dajian Brown, Kahlia Awa, Sylvia Brunt, Patricia Maliepo.
Matatū: Kaea Nepia, Winnie Palamo, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Chey Robins-Reti, Hannah King, Maia Joseph; Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Stacey Niao, Moomooga Palu, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Tegan Hollows, Maddi Robinson, Amy Rule, Sarah Jones, Fiaali'i Solomona, Kelsyn McCook, Hollyrae Mete, Fia Laikong.
