There is already so much for players to be proud of from this Super Rugby Aupiki season — but do not expect them to bow out quietly.
Matatū is gearing up to make history today in its bid to dethrone the unbeaten Chiefs Manawa in the Aupiki final.
Hooker Georgia Ponsonby said the players had "a lot of belief" in what they could produce, following a break-out season.
It was tough for the team to gain traction in last year’s Covid-19 condensed season, but with more time together under the belt, Matatū had been able to perform this time around.
"I still don’t think we’ve actually played to our potential yet, probably," Ponsonby said.
"Hoping that this weekend we can put it all together and put out that ultimate performance that we’ve kind of been striving for this whole time."
That is a good sign for the Matatū to put on an 80-minute performance — "we know anything less than that will fall short" — and take down Manawa.
Matatū lost 46-38 to Manawa earlier in the season. Matatū had a strong start and finish but went missing through the middle.
"We’ve made a bit more of an emphasis probably on coming out hissing after half time.
"Last time we played them we came out a bit flat and we paid the price for it.
"Last time we scored quite a lot of tries off no possession so ... if we can hold on to the ball a bit more, hopefully it’ll be a different story."
Matatū, representing the South Island, has stood up on defence to win games this season, something Ponsonby was especially proud of.
"Defence is pretty special because the heart of that actually just comes down to attitude and want, and wanting to put your body on the line for your teammates. That is definitely something that we’re proud of and pride ourselves in."
Ponsonby, starting at hooker, will join Pip Love and Amy Rule to round out a Black Ferns World-Cup-winning front row.
Workhorse Kendra Reynolds and captain Alana Bremner pack down at flanker and No 8, and Grace Brooker, Chey Robins-Reti and Renee Holmes provide fire in the backline.
And while Ponsonby is excited to be playing in her first Aupiki final, it is tinged with sadness that the season is already coming to an end.
"It’s been really fun.
"It’s such a short season and I guess the sad part is, all the teams, not just us, have probably just started to really gel and actually put out what we’re capable of.
"I guess that’s just the unfortunate thing about such a short competition, we probably haven’t quite reached perfect and not a lot of opportunity to get there.
"In saying that, it still been really really awesome and we’re still grateful for the competition that we have."
Super Rugby Aupiki
Auckland, 2.05pm today
Matatū: Pip Love, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule, Emma Dermody, Cindy Nelles, Lucy Jenkins, Kendra Reynolds, Alana Bremner, Di Hiini, Rosie Kelly, Martha Mataele, Grace Brooker, Amy du Plessis, Chey Robins-Reti, Renee Holmes. Reserves: Nat Delamere, Ona Palu, Steph Te-Ohaere Fox, Sera Naiqama, Marcelle Parkes, Georgia
Cormick, Atlanta Lolohea, Charntay Poko.
Chiefs Manawa: Tenika Willison, Mererangi Paul, Carla Hohepa, Azalleyah Maaka, Georgia Daals, Hazel Tubic, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Kennedy Simon (C), Tynealle Fitzgerald, Charmaine Smith, Kelsie Thwaties, Chelsea Bremner, Tanya Kalounivale, Luka Connor, Kate Henwood. Reserves: Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Angel Mulu, Te
Urupounamu McGarvey, Dhys Faleafaga, Victoria Makea, Violet Hapi-Wise, Abigail Roach, Olive Watherston.
