Hannah King, Manawa v Matatu, Super Rugby Aupiki. Photo: Mark Taylor/ActionPress
Matatū have conceded hosting rights for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki final after a disappointing 28-22 loss to Chiefs Manawa in the final round of the regular season.
The Southerners were already guaranteed to contest the title against the Blues. However, victory over Chiefs Manawa in Christchurch this afternoon would have also given them a shot to have the big dance in their own backyard.
But it was not to be, as Manawa closed their season in style with a resounding victory at Nga Puna Wai.
Manawa would open the scoring through Mia Anderson before Kaipo Olsen-Baker squared things up at seven apiece.
Ruby Tui put Manawa back in front on the brink of the break, Hannah King keeping Matatū within four at halftime.
Manawa again kicked things off in the second, Veisinia Mahutariki Fakalelu bulldozing her way over to make it an 11-point buffer.
A dazzling run by Grace Kukutai saw her go over for Manawa's fourth, and the best of the day as she danced past the last line of defence.
Winnie Palamo pulled one back for Matatū, Hollyrae Mete's late try further flattering the scoreboard for the home team.
Catch up with how it all went down:
