Matatū get a shot at redemption when they pack down for a top-of-the-table clash this afternoon.
They head to Whangarei to hunt down an unbeaten and in-form Blues team who had a 28-7 win over Matatū two weeks ago.
But Matatū have shown great intent and believe they have what it takes to dethrone a Blues team searching for back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles.
Matatū are also bolstered by the return of triple international Chey Robins-Reti, who gets her first start on the left wing after being sidelined through injury.
"She’s a really special person for our group on and off the field," head coach Whitney Hansen said.
"She’s been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, so it’s cool to see that work pay off for her and get a run this week.
"I’m just chuffed for her to be able to come out and rep Matatū, which she’s super proud to do."
Robins-Reti has been a mainstay at fullback for Matatū in the past few seasons, but will still be right at home on the wing.
Tasman loose forward Sarah Jones gets her chance to debut off the bench as well.
"We’re really excited for Jonesy," Hansen said.
"She’s been working really hard across a positional change this season, so if she does get the opportunity to come out ... I know she’ll do us proud."
Matatū have been forced to rejig their tight five through injuries as well.
Black Fern prop Amy Rule is sidelined and will be replaced by big Moomooga Palu in the front row.
Lock Laura Bayfield is also out with injury and Emma Dermody gets her first start of the season in her place.
Maia Joseph and Hannah King have formed quite the combination in the halves and will look to utilise their quick hands and feet.
Otago front-rowers Eilis Doyle and Tegan Hollows will come off the bench.
The Blues are packed with Black Ferns throughout, but will be without second five Sylvia Brunt — who scored twice in the last outing against Matatū — and she will be replaced by another Black Fern, Patricia Maliepo.
Captain Maia Roos will become the first person to play 20 games for the Blues when she runs out this afternoon.
She has not missed a game since they started in 2022.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Whangārei, 2.05pm
Matatū: Kaea Nepia, Winnie Palamo, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Hannah King, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Lucy Jenkins, Alan Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Emma Dermody, Moomooga Palu, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Tegan Hollows, Marcelle Parkes, Eilis Doyle, Tayla Simpson, Sarah Jones, Kelsyn McCook, Hollyrae Mete, Fia Laikong.
Blues: Jaymie Kolose, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Patricia Maliepo, Kerri Johnson, Ruahei Demant, Tara Turner, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Taufa Bason, Holly Greenway, Maama Vaipulu, Maia Roos, Aldora Itunu, Grace Gago, Awhine Tangen-Wainohu, Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Sophie Fisher, Eloise Blackwell, Elizabith Moimoi, Krysten Cottrell, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Daynah Nankivell.
