Super Rugby Pacific: The players to watch including Argentine superstar Pablo Matera

There has been notable changes in most squads with several players on the move. Here is our shout at the players that will stand up in the competition’s first season.

The bruising Argentine has gone against the grain by sensationally signing for the Crusaders. Matera was only unveiled in January by coach Scott Robertson and he is raring to go. The loose forward is no stranger to Super Rugby having powered the Jaguares to a Super Rugby final against the Crusaders in 2019. 

Standing at 193 cm and weighing over 100kg, Matera is a physical presence and uses his stature to carry the ball hard at the game line, often with success. Add to that is an elevated game awareness allowing him to link up with players around him in and around the defensive line. This will be further encouraged by Robertson at the Crusaders as in typical New Zealand fashion they are looking to keep the ball alive to stretch defensive structures. Matera also boasts huge quality at the breakdown, is immensely strong over the ball and is a threat if the opposition is not clinical at ruck time. 

Above and beyond his playing ability, Matera is a competitor in the truest sense of the word. He always wants to win, to have the edge on the opposition, and that not only his game but those around him, which is what makes him a strong leader. 

It is a scary thought to see the rampaging Argentine run out in Crusaders colours as it seems inevitable for him to excel. Unfortunately, he has been unable to play rugby for a significant period and it will take time to adjust but a player of his quality will brush that off fairly quickly and he could well become a vital cog in the trophy-laden Crusaders outfit. Expect him to excel.

One of the most eagerly-awaited debuts in