Matatū now turn their attention to a blockbuster clash with defending champions Blues Women in Nelson next week, a match that will really test their credentials. Meanwhile, Hurricanes Poua will look to bounce back when they travel to Hamilton to take on Chiefs Manawa in Round 3. For now, that rounds things out in this one. Thanks for tuning into Tribe.

Amy du Plessis was a standout in midfield for Matatū, orchestrating play with her sharp decision-making, while Fia Laikong constantly threatened out wide. Nepia was exceptional at fullback, and Brooker's physical presence was key. For the Poua, Layla Sae worked tirelessly up front, Leti-I’iga was their most dangerous attacking weapon, and Paige Lush showed composure at halfback. However, handling errors and a lack of cutting edge in attack ultimately cost them.

The second half saw a more competitive battle, with the Poua tightening their discipline and enjoying longer spells of possession. However, Matatū’s defensive structure held firm, absorbing the pressure and denying the visitors any further points. The only scoring play of the half came in the 68th minute when Palamo once again sparked the attack, breaking into the 22 before offloading to Lucy Jenkins, who crashed over to seal the victory.

The opening half was all Matatū, as their clinical finishing and expansive play tore apart the Poua defence. Brooker's early try set the tone, and Nepia’s stunning long-range effort extended the advantage. Palamo added a third with a strong individual finish before Nepia struck again, producing a brilliant left-foot step to beat the last defender. The Poua, struggling to retain possession, finally found a spark when Leti-I’iga powered through multiple defenders to get them on the board in the 33rd minute.

Matatū have marked their first home game of the season in style, securing a commanding 24-point victory over Hurricanes Poua at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. A dominant first-half performance set the platform for the win, with Matatū capitalising on Poua's mistakes and showcasing their attacking firepower. Grace Brooker, Kaea Nepia with a double, and Winnie Palamo all crossed in a dazzling opening 30 minutes, while Ayesha Leti-I’iga provided a lone moment of brilliance for the visitors before half-time.

The siren sounds as the Poua manage to turn the ball over on halfway. Poletti has a carry, as does Sae in midfield. Slow ball for Nuku and she is driven back by A. Bremner. Out the back it goes left, sending Kautai into space, and her offload in field is stolen by McCook, who slams it into touch. That is full-time.

The scrum is unstable and the reset is the option taken by the referee. The second attempt is good as the ball goes left for Brooker to grubber low. It ricochets into the hands of H. King, offloading for Palamo to carry to halfway. C. Bremner carries next, along with Hayward in midfield.

Poua continue to build phases on halfway, with the short side play seeing Ferguson bust past halfway. Her inside ball is lost forward by Blake, though, with Matatū awarded the scrum feed just inside their own half.

Blake feeds to the attacking scrum, playing right for Gapper to put a grubber in behind. It's cleaned up by McCook and she kicks in behind, cleaned up by Patea-Fereti on her side of halfway. Slow ball for Poletti to wind up for a charge. Wide right it goes now but E. King is met solidly by du Plessis.