Pacific stars deliver as Blues complete historic Aupiki three-peat

Pacific players stood the tallest when it mattered most as the NIB Auckland Blues claimed a historic third straight Super Rugby Aupiki title with a dramatic 28-21 win over Matatū in Christchurch.

Saturday’s grand final looked set for extra time until the final moments when the Blues turned down a simple penalty shot after the fulltime siren and backed themselves to chase the winning try instead.

The bold decision paid off.

After several tense phases, captain Ruahei Demant found space and fired a long pass to Tongan winger Katelyn Vaha'akolo, who powered over in the corner to seal one of the most memorable finishes in Aupiki history.

The Blues had trailed 14-7 at halftime but fought back through a series of influential performances from their Pacific players.

Captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos said her side never stopped believing.

Atlanta Lolohea of the Blues scoring. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

“I am so proud of the team. We had our backs against the wall, but we never had a doubt. We supported each other, believed in one another, and knew we could get the job done with nothing to lose,” Roos said after the match.

For Matatū, it was another heartbreaking grand final defeat despite playing in front of more than 10,000 fans at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

But for the Blues, it was their Pacific players who continued to deliver when the pressure was at its highest.

Auckland Blues players celebrate after defeating Matatū 28-21 to claim a third consecutive Super Rugby Aupiki title. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

Vaha'akolo again showed why she is one of the competition’s most dangerous players after coming into the match early when fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

The Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens star repeatedly broke the Matatū defence before scoring the match-winning try.

Nineteen-year-old Amarante Sititi also played a key role.

With the scores locked at 21-all, the younger sister of All Black and Chiefs star Wallace Sititi won a crucial turnover after the hosts tried to wind down the clock.

That moment gave the Blues one final chance to attack.

Tongan hooker Atlanta Lolohea was named Player of the Match after a powerful performance.

Lolohea opened the scoring, crashing over from close range with the help of a strong carry and support from Aldora Itunu, before finding the try line again with 10 minutes remaining to bring the Blues back into the contest and set up the dramatic finish.

Drua fall short in historic home final

Earlier on Saturday, the Fijian Drua’s bid for a third Super Rugby Women's title ended with a 34-17 loss to the NSW Waratahs in the first grand final hosted in Fiji.

In front of a passionate home crowd at Ba's Four R Stadium, the Drua struggled to capitalise on their opportunities as the Waratahs raced to a 24-0 lead early in the second half.

While the hosts fought back with three tries, the visitors' early advantage proved too difficult to overcome.

Drua head coach Mike Legge said his side paid the price for missed opportunities.

“We weren't accurate enough in the areas that mattered,” Legge told local media.

Despite the defeat, Legge said hosting the final was another important step for women's rugby in Fiji.

He said it showed how far the Drua have come since joining the competition.

Attention now shifts to the Trans-Tasman Championship final, where the Blues will face the Waratahs in Sydney next Saturday, 1 August. Kick-off is at 7.30pm (NZT) at Leichhardt Oval.