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‘It got us the result’: Blues bravery sealed Aupiki title
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 27th, 2026 1:12 pm
The Blues celebrate winning the Super Rugby Aupiki | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
The Blues bold decision to chase a seven-point win in the final stages of the Super Rugby Aupiki final paid off, after turning down a three-point penalty goal to seal the victory.
Locked at 21-21 against Matatū, the Blues were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute after Matatū attempted to run down the clock and force a draw to go to extra time.
But instead of taking the points, the Blues backed themselves to attack for the win and were rewarded with the match-winning try by Katelyn Vaha'akolo and converted by Ruahei Demant to top it off.
Backs Coach Carlos Spencer admitted the decision could have been viewed differently had the outcome not gone their way.
“I think if the outcome was different, we're probably having a different conversation,” he told Sport Nation Mornings.
However he noted the Blues have built their identity around playing with courage, and that philosophy was on display in the exhilarating final moments.
“We always encourage our girls to be brave, to play with courage and express themselves. We also encourage them to make smart decisions.”
He feels it was the right decision because they forced Matatū to be “under the pump” as they were running circles around them with attack, however it could have easily fallen the other way.
“That’s the decision we've got to obviously respect that they make out there and was it the right decision at that moment? A lot of people would probably say it probably wasn't but hey, it got us the result at the end of the day so that's all that matters.”
Listen to the full interview below:
