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Pablo Matera of Argentina takes a break during the 2020 Three Nations rugby match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Argentina Los Pumas at Bankwest Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)
Argentina captain Pablo Matera was almost everywhere on the field during the Pumas’ first victory over the All the black people on Saturday.
The 25-15 victory was orchestrated by the precise boot of mid-high Nicolás Sánchez and the unwavering defense led by Matera.
While the wing secured a vital loss to the All Blacks in attack in the closing moments of the game, it is perhaps best to remember what he told referee Wayne Barnes earlier in the game.
After the All Blacks earned a kickable penalty, Barnes reversed his decision when hooker Dane Coles slapped an Argentine player in the face after the whistle.
That was like a red rag to a bull for Matera as he flew towards Coles in retaliation with the pair shoving and shoving each other.
Once things had settled down, Barnes singled out Matera, saying that as a captain, he should lead by example and show respect and threaten to penalize him if he did it again.
“They must show some respect, I play for my country,” replied the captain of Argentina.
One could argue that perhaps the All Blacks thought that a game against a poorly played team that hadn’t played in 13 months would mean an easy game.
But all the applause should go to the Pumas, who deserved more than their victory on the night.
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
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