Hurricanes Poua v Matatū result: Hurricanes Poua edge Matatū in high-scoring encounter

Hurricanes Poua have earned their first win of the Super Rugby Aupiki season, beating Matatū 36-29 in Wellington.

The Poua scored six tries to four in the contest, with the match-winner coming in the 76th minute through Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono.

After conceding an early penalty goal, the Poua went out to a 12-3 lead. They led 19-15 at halftime.

That lead was extended just two minutes after the restart when Harmony Kautai scored.

Matatū scored two tries within five minutes to level the scores, but couldn’t hold Po’e-Tofaeono from close range in the final stages.

Hurricanes Poua: Isabella Waterman, Leilani Hakiwai, Shakira Baker, Monica Togoai, Harmony Kautai, Hannah King, Iritana Hohaia, Layla Sae, Rhiarna Ferris, Elinor-Plum King, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Rachael Rakatau, Leilani Perese, Cristo Taufua, Denise Aiolupotea.

Reserves: Tori Iosefo, Tamia Edwards, Sam Taylor, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, Rangimarie Sturmey, Paige Lush, Kahurangi Sturmey, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook.

Matatū: Chey Robins-Reti, Winnie Palamo, Grace Brooker, Liv McGoverne, Martha Mataele, Rosie Kelly, Di Hiini, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kendra Reynolds, Alanda Bremner, Laura Bayfield, Emma Dermody, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love.

Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Marcelle Parkes, Moomooga Palu, Stacey Niao, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg, Maia Joseph, Cheyenne Cunningham, Charlotte Woodman.