[ad_1]
OPINION: There was only one striker playing in the All Blacks-Pumas event in Sydney who would have a place in the current XV World Cup, and he was not wearing black.
Pablo Matera, the captain of Argentina, dominated the game as he dominated the 2019 Super Rugby final on a losing team.
Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Pablo Matera carries the ball for the All Blacks at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.
The Crusaders were too good for the Jaguars that night in Christchurch, but they were never able to dominate Matera.
In Sydney on Saturday, this beast of a loose striker reminded New Zealand of what they lost when Richie McCaw left in 2015.
READ MORE:
* All Blacks vs Argentina: ‘We were poorly explained and we got nervous’ – Ian Foster
* All Blacks v Argentina: Pumas coach Mario Ledesma – ‘we’ve been through hell’
* All Blacks vs Argentina: surpassed and surpassed: Foster’s men humiliated by Pumas
* All Blacks vs Argentina player ratings: Second consecutive surprise for the men in black
* All Blacks v Argentina: Ardie Savea breaks his mouth guard after a week of controversy
* All Blacks v Argentina: Famous Pumas win as the All Blacks collapse in Sydney
Matera was everywhere, breaking tackles and rucks and earning a brilliant loss in the final 10 minutes.
When the All Blacks lost their cool in the first half, he turned to referee Angus Gardner and demanded respect, saying, “We are playing for our country.”
So it was. After the test was over, Matera delivered the following message to his compatriots.
“This is a great day for Argentina, for our country and our people.
Brendon Thorne / Getty Images
Sam Cane and the loose forwards of the All Blacks could not match the influence of Pablo Matera.
“It’s really tough down there right now.
“I knew it was difficult for us to come here and prepare for this tournament.
“We just wanted to show our people that if you work hard with a lot of determination you can get things done.
“So, we are very proud of this team and of our country.”
That the Pumas were playing for something greater than themselves was evident in a defensive effort that defied belief.
Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Facundo Bosch and Pablo Matera celebrate the Pumas’ first win against the All Blacks in Sydney.
When the clock passed 60 minutes, we waited for the inevitable gaps in the defensive line to appear, but none did.
The All Blacks thought they would come, so they chose fast men Damian McKenzie and Brad Weber on the bench – a logical decision against opponents who have barely played rugby in eight months.
However, the Pumas continued to advance and crush the All Blacks running backs.
It was a remarkable display of unity and a brutal reminder that the era of All Blacks dominance is over.
While the country continues to ensure that it has been blessed in various positions, such as the loose forward, the reality is that players like Matera are capable of taking on the All Blacks and returning fire with interest.
The All Blacks were so disappointing in Sydney because last week’s loss to the Wallabies raised expectations of a response.
Ardie Savea is outstanding, but she was not a major factor in Sydney, unable to prevail against a meaty Argetine herd. Shannon Frizell is looking for her Super Rugby form. Sam Cane took off his socks, but he was like a captain whose ship has too many holes.
Not that the loosies were well cared for by all five. Perhaps the truth is simply that this is not a great All Blacks group – the scrum was dominated late in the first half when Matera was denied a try only because of a desperate intervention by Richie Mo’unga on the try line .
“It’s going to be huge,” Matera said after the victory. “It’s going to have a huge impact, especially on all young children.
Cameron Spencer / Getty Images
Pablo Matera passes to Al Blacks No 6 Shannon Frizell.
“Now they can’t go to their clubs to play rugby because of the virus.
“I am sure they will be proud to be Argentine and I hope it brings many new children to the game.
”It is very special. Everything is hard in Argentina.
“It was difficult being here, we are very proud of what we wear.”
The captain spoke well. He played even better.
The All Blacks forwards could do worse than look at their performance and admit that this is the level they must now reach.
