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Pablo Matera made history on Saturday. The Pumas flanker won the Super Rugby title with the Crusaders. Never before had an Argentine won Super Rugby.
Matera’s career has seen him go from Asociación Alumni in Buenos Aires to now being a champion with the best of the best. The Crusaders have not only won the most titles but have now won six-in-a-row. Matera was involved in the 2019 Final when Los Jaguares lost against the Crusaders.
Three years after playing in the final in Christchurch, Matera became a champion by defeating the Blues 21-7 in Auckland. Matera was in the thick of the action. He made 10 carries, 10 tackles defeated 2 defenders, and had a try assist. His assist was a kick which saw Fijian All Black Sevu Reece scoring the title deciding try.
Never before had an Argentine been crowned Super Rugby champion. Matera’s heroics followed not only Los Jaguares’ runner-up spot in 2019; Patricio Noriega played in two finals for the Brumbies. The former Puma played in losing finals against the Blues and Crusaders. He went on to play test rugby for Australia.
Matera will now fly home to Buenos Aires to join Los Pumas. Argentina have three home test matches against Scotland in July.
