Ex-Argentina national team winger Horacio Agulla has suggested that NRL teams, particularly Sydney Rabbitohs and New Zealand Warriors, should consider Pumas flanker Pablo Matera following their recent victory against the All Blacks in the second round of the Rugby Championship.
The 32-year-old celebrated his fourth triumph over the All Blacks on Saturday, as the Pumas avenged their previous defeat in the first round by defeating Scott Robertson’s team with a score of 29-23 in Buenos Aires.
Matera spearheaded the effort against the world’s top-ranked team, achieving a match-high of 18 carries during the victory, along with two turnovers, another leading statistic for the match.
However, the quantity of carries only provides a partial view, as the force behind the 109-cap international player’s runs significantly impacted the All Blacks. Observing his carry from the base of the scrum at the hour mark, which enabled scrum-half Gonzalo Garcia to score a try, illustrates the extent of damage he inflicted on New Zealand’s defensive formation, and the resulting momentum for his team.
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A few days later, the former Leicester Tigers wing expressed on X that he wouldn’t be surprised if his countryman received “numerous offers” from the NRL, highlighting that the intensity of his carries, and possibly his upright carrying technique, would be well-suited for rugby league.
“I anticipate Pablito Matera receiving abundant offers from the NRL following his performance against the All Blacks. An absolute force. Heads up,” Agulla posted.
While a transfer is not likely, the Argentina national team will probably make every effort to ensure the loose forward remains available for future matches. Currently, the Pumas hold the fourth position in the Rugby Championship standings, but are only trailing the All Blacks by two points, leaving everything to be decided.
