Super Rugby Aupiki: Blues set up grandstand finish after thrilling debut win over Matatū

The Blues have set up a grandstand finish for Super Rugby Aupiki after Covid-related reshuffles by beating Matatū 21-1src in their thrilling debut match on Tuesday night.

The Auckland side will play the Chiefs Manawa in what is effectively a final on Sunday in Hamilton.

The Blues were making their debut in the inaugural competition, while it was Matatū’s second fixture after losing last week’s opener 17-15 to Chiefs, who also defeated the Hurricanes Poua 29-8 at FMG Stadium Waikato on Tuesday.

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The format has been condensed into three rounds because of Covid-19’s impact, but the winner of Sunday’s final match between the Chiefs and the Blues will be crowned the first champions.

The Blues relished their chance to play in the historic competition after their first match against the Hurricanes last week was cancelled because of Covid-19.

Replacement outside back Mele Hufanga scored a memorable try for the Blues in the second half, as she collected a superlative offload from prop Aldora Itunu and darted past Matatū defenders to spark jubilant celebrations among her team-mates.

That seemed to have swung the contest in the Blues’ favour, but Matatū hit back with Martha Mataele’s try from a quick tap and the game was alive with 26 minutes still to play.

Neither side played scintillating, attacking rugby for long periods, which was expected given Covid-19’s impact on preparations for each squad, but it was an absorbing clash nonetheless.

The Blues had more quality in key moments and their relentless pressure was too much for Matatū to withstand.

The opening quarter was beset by lineout errors and turnovers of po