Super Rugby playoffs heat up! Warriors win third on the trot, and new venture for PMN sports

We go again! This time with some big news for the week, as we’ve launched a new vodcast “Overtime with Matty” alongside Pacific Grandstand host Willie Poching. So in addition to the wrap of this weekend's sport, we’ll chat a bit about the new voddy!

1. Overtime with Matty

Every Saturday for the last few months I’ve joined Pacific Grandstand host Willie Poching for a morning talanoa about the NRL, Super Rugby and Combat Sports. Last week, we launched the first vodcast version of our Talanoa, called Overtime with Matty.

The first episode featured Cedrick Tausinga, an aspiring sports journalist who has a huge presence online covering sports. Cedrick has over 15,000 followers on TikTok, and over 1 million likes too! He joined us to talk about his journey to sports coverage, State of Origin Game one, and the highly discussed All Blacks captain options.

Overtime with Matty will be a weekly feature as we dive into the hottest topics in the sporting world for our Pacific athletes, with different topics that will have circulated during the week.

Willie has had a decorated career in the NRL, and in the English Super League where he has spent the last twenty years. The man has seen and been through it all in the professional sports world, and partnered with my rookie-level knowledge in sports - we have quality chats, and plenty of quality insights too!

So join us every Saturday for Overtime with Matty on 531PI, and listen to our vodcast every week where we talanoa about some of the biggest news in Pacific sports! And you can find the links on Spotify, YouTube or on our website.

2. Warriors win third on the trot

That’s three on the trot! The Warriors walked through the Cowboys in Townsville winning 42 - 12. The Wahs welcomed back some of their talented starters who have been sidelined over the past few weeks, and they only added to the teams go forward.

It was a huge win for the Warriors against the Cowboys who had some of their stars have outstanding performances for the Maroons earlier this week. This week the Warriors face the Melbourne Storm in what should be an exciting match!

Result: Warriors crush the Cowboys 42 - 12 in Townsville.

Highlight moment: Te Maire Martins slick ball to a charging Jackson Ford to score - the ball hit his chest, he caught it and scored a highlight try. How good!

Pacific Champion: Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad had a great outing, he’s been gone for a few weeks but looked slick in his first game back. Two tries in the return too!

3. Blues advance to semi’s

The Blues advance to the semis after a clinical win against the Fijian Drua, winning 36-5 at Eden Park. The Blues secured their semi-final spot following an upset loss to the Crusaders, and the home side looked intent on producing a good result.

Stephen Perofeta returned to the side and had a quality kicking game too! Good to see the Ioane brothers back out there causing havoc as well. Dalton Papali’i picked up an early meat pie, and earned himself man of the match following a strong performance in the forwards.

The Blues now move their attention to the Brumbies, who are hot off a win against the Highlanders. The two face off on Friday night at Eden Park.

Result: The Blues beat the Fiji Drua 36 - 5 at Eden Park.

Highlight moment: Selestino Ravutaumada what a try! He’s been a highlight for the Drua’s season, breaking through a few defenders enroute to the tryline. The Fijian fans cheered in excitement too - how good!

Pacific Champion: Captain Dalton!

4. Maroons thrash Blues in Game One

Another year, another game one loss to the Blues. The Maroons thrashed the Blues, 38 - 10 at a sold out Accor Stadium in Sydney. The game was pretty much over, after Joseph Aukuso-Suali’i got sent off in the opening minutes - sucking the energy out of the game!

The Maroons looked too good against the Blues, with captain Daly Cherry-Evans at the ripe age of 35 proving he is still one of the best in the game! Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a hat trick after being called up to fullback from center - continuing the outstanding season form he’s been showing for the Redcliff Dolphins.

Game two heads to Melbourne where the Blues have a chance to tie the score - and go to a decider in Brisbane. It’s a harder route, but Michael McGuire is determined to get there! Right now, the Blues should be looking for players that can strengthen their side come game two.

Watch our sports wrap on 531PI's Pacific Mornings show.

5. All Blacks selection season

As the Super Rugby Pacific season closes, chat around the All Blacks selection heats up as they prepare for a big 14-match international season ahead.

The ABs have a two-test series with England in New Zealand, before they head to San Diego where they face Fiji! Then the All Blacks enter the Rugby Championship, with games against Argentina, South Africa and Australia - before heading north for their northern tour at the year's end.

It’s the first international season for head coach Scott “Razor” Robertson, who is keeping a close eye on Super Rugby Pacific as the season edges closer to the end. A few All Blacks stars return from overseas, including Ardie Save and Beauden Barrett who both will be eligible for selection after a stint in Japan.

Former captain Sam Cane has called time on his career, and now the All Blacks will need a new leader to steer them into the next era for New Zealand. Who will it be? We chat more about this on Overtime with Matty and pick our next man to take the mantle!

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared on 531PI’s Pacific Grandstand show.

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they do”

Kobe Bryant