Super Rugby Pacific: Pablo Matera to make Crusaders debut against Hurricanes

The Crusaders are preparing to play their first match of Super Rugby Pacific, against the Hurricanes under the roof in Dunedin this weekend, and head coach Scott Robertson has named a strong side to kick off their 2022 campaign.

The big news from the team announcement is the inclusion in the starting XV of Argentina loose forward and former Jaguares captain Pablo Matera, who is set to become Crusader number 252 when he makes his debut on the blindside flank.

Meanwhile, seven other international players have been named in the run-on side. They are current All Blacks Joe Moody, Scott Barrett (captain), Samuel Whitelock, David Havili (vice-captain), Braydon Ennor, George Bridge, and Will Jordan, while two more New Zealand Test representatives, George Bower and Sevu Reece, have been included on the replacements bench.

Fergus Burke has been handed the number 10 jersey following a solid pre-season campaign, while former Blues and Hurricanes fly-half Simon Hickey has been named on the bench in his debut season for the Crusaders.

The rest of the reserves also offer plenty of impact, including 22-year-old Canterbury hooker, Shilo Klein, who will provide cover for Brodie McAlister in the absence of vice-captain Codie Taylor.

“While we would have loved to be playing at home in front of our fans and families this weekend, we’re really grateful to be able to get our 2022 campaign underway and understand just how much work has gone into getting the competition off the ground in Queenstown and Dunedin,” Robertson said.

“It’s an exciting week for the likes of Fergus Burke and our three debutants in particular. They’ve all worked extremely hard and prepared diligently for their opportunity and we look forward to seeing them step up on