Manawa dig deep to make it two from two

The Chiefs Manawa may have been late to the park, but they were very much on schedule with their performance as they dug in to eke out a hard-fought Super Rugby Aupiki victory over the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

The Chiefs only arrived at the ground 20 minutes prior to kickoff after experiencing the vagaries of traffic driving into Auckland from the south, and required assistance from the home physio to get their strapping completed in time for kickoff.

But they dug in well with a surging start and an outstanding defensive effort to scrape out a three tries to two 17-10 victory that improves them to 2-0 for the season and keeps their perfect record against their nearest neighbours intact. It was the Blues’ first defeat of the year after they had opened last week with an upset over Matatū.

The Blues offered plenty in a spirited clash, and dominated the contest for long periods, especially in the second half with the breeze at their backs. The home forwards, particularly, were impressive on the carry and around the breakdown, with standout efforts from prop Aldora Itunu, lock Maama Vaipulu and loosies Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Tafito Lafaele setting the tone. Power wing Katelyn Vahaakolo, midfielder Sylvia Brunt and busy halfback Mel Puckett were the pick of the backs.

The Chiefs scrum, with all that Black Ferns experience, held a decisive edge at the set piece and their defensive effort overall was outstanding as they soaked up plenty of pressure from a physical home side. Ruby Tui, with an expertly taken try, put in her usual busy shift on the right wing (but wearing 11), the visiting midfield of Grace Steinmetz and Mererangi Paul had their strong moments and Chelsea Semple, on the comeback trail after a maternity break, got through a half and a-bit efficiently in the No 10 position.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes Poua held heir nerve against Matatū, winning 36-29 in a game which swung either way and was eventually decided by a 75th minute Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono try.

Matatū had been 15-12 up, but in the space of three minutes playing time, Matatū found themselves 24-15 down.

Cue a Matatū fightback. Despite Kaipo Olsen-Baker knocking on over the line in the 62nd minute, she made amends two minutes later, then after another sustained period of pressure, Amy Rule barged her way over, too, and a great Kelly conversion tied things up.

However, the Poua were not to be denied, with Po’e-Tofaeono driving across from close-range, and the hosts holding on for the win.