It was the Super Rugby Aupiki final where the Blues won back-to-back titles after beating Matatū 26-19 in the final.
That hurt will linger and fuel the team representing the South Island when they meet the defending champions tonight.
It is also a top of the table clash, both Matatū and the Blues winning their opening two games and sitting on two points at the top of the table.
But Matatū will need to be better than their 18-15 win against the Hurricanes Poua in terrible conditions last week.
Matatū coach Blair Baxter has made a couple of changes to the team to meet the Blues.
Marcelle Parkes starts in the front row and Emma Dermody comes in at lock, shifting Paris Lokotui to blindside.
Otago halfback Maia Joseph remains at No 9 but Southland Black Fern Seven Alena Saili gets her first start on the wing. Maia Davis also starts at fullback.
The Blues are packed with Black Ferns talent across the park, including captain Maia Roos — who extended her contract with New Zealand Rugby until 2029 this week — Ruahei Demant, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vaha’akolo, Sylvia Brunt, and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u.
It is the ‘‘all-in round’’ where all four teams are playing in Pukekohe.
The Chiefs Manawa, who narrowly lost to the Blues 27-26 last week, will be in for a big game against the Poua.
Both sides are yet to record a win in Super Rugby Aupiki this season.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Pukekohe, 7pm
Matatū: Maia Davis, Winnie Palamo, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Alena Saili, Hannah King, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Paris Lokotui, Emma Dermody, Laura Bayfield, Pip Love, Nat Delamere, Marcelle Parkes. Reserves: Holly Greenway, Maddi Robinson, Santo Taumata, Sophie Kerr, Fiaali’i Solomona, Kelsyn McCook, Binky Muamua, Poppy Baxter.
Blues: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vaha’akolo, Mererangi Paul, Sylvia Brunt, Jaymie Kolose, Ruahei Demant, Tara Turner, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Taufa Bason, Amarante Sititi, Eloise Blackwell, Maia Roos, Aldora Ituni, Atlanta Lolohea, Glory Aiono. Reserves: Grace Gago, Nijiho Nagata, Cilia-Marie Po’e Tofaeono, Tafito Lafaele, Danny-Elle Fesolai, Ffion Penney, Hazel Tubic, Hollyrae Mete-Renata.
