Chiefs Manawa have claimed victory in the first match of the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki season, defeating Matatū 17-15 at Hamilton.
After Matatū threatened to send the game to golden point with a conversion attempt after the siren, reserve Arabella McKenzie's effort just couldn't shape back enough, missing the right-hand post by inches as Chiefs Manawa held on.
Kicking would ultimately cost Matatū, who missed all of their shots at goal - albeit in the absence of Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge, who would have almost certainly firmed as her side's go-to option with the boot.
In the inaugural match of women's Super Rugby in New Zealand, it took Chiefs Manawa just seven minutes to open the scoring, as prop Angel Mulu crashed over for the first points of the competition.
Matatū hit back in style and scored their first try through Pip Love, scoring from a pick-and-go at the Chiefs Manawa line.
Black Ferns Sevens star Ruby Tui gave Chiefs Manawa the lead again after 21 minutes, producing a perfect finish in the corner thanks to a cutout pass from sevens teammate Kelly Brazier.
But again, Matatū took only minutes to respond, as winger Grace Steinmetz capitalised on an overlap on the left flank after a scrum.
Chiefs Manawa had one last try to cap the scoring in the first half, as No.8 Kennedy Simon capped off a break after a fortunate bounce from a kick by Hazel Tubic, giving her side a 17-10 advantage at the break.
The scores remained locked for the entire second half, and were only advanced after the siren - when Matatū prop Amy Rule dotted down on the wing and gave McKenzie the chance to send the match to extra time.
Already pre-season favourites given the strength of their playing squad and coaching staff, Chiefs Manawa can take solace in their victory - albeit if Matatū showed how close Super Rugby Aupiki can be for the chasing pack.
Chiefs Manawa 17 (Mulu 7', Tui 21', Simon 31' tries; Brazier conversion)
Matatū 15 (Love 17',Steinmetz 27', Rule 73')
