Fresh from scoring the winning try in the dying minutes of their clash against the Highlanders, Melani Matavao is looking forward to bringing the same energy and impact in their final home game against the Blues.
Matavao is one of three players in the Moana side who were picked from Samoa as part of Moana’s pathways programme to help players in the islands.
This year is his first year as a contracted player but it is his second season in the mix, as he was brought in last year as injury cover.
The 29 year old, who hails from Fasito’o Uta, Lauli’i and Sa’aga Siumu in Samoa, has been in rotation all year long with fellow Manu Samoa teammate Jonathan Taumateine in the halfback jersey.
With Matavao picked for reserve halfback duties, his role as an impact player from the bench has been a key part in Moana’s success story this year. His try in the closing minutes of the Highlanders game after a charge down, just a glimpse of his energy from the bench.
And tomorrow night, he looks to also bring that same energy against the Blues in a must win clash.
Speaking in Samoan at training on Thursday Matavao says, “the mindset this week for us as a team is to win. We understand that we need to win against them, so preparation has been really sharp and precise.”
“For me, my preparation this week itself was focused on my role as an impact player from the bench. My role as cover or a sub is crucial because we study the game from the side and make sure to come on and make the difference where it is needed.”
This season itself has been a major turnaround for Moana, make it their best since joining the Super Rugby scene.
A lot of credit has also gone towards the signing of Ardie Savea in the side in which Matavao says has not only been beneficial for the team but himself as a player.
“There has been a big shift this year especially from last year when I joined the side. There is no denying the influence of our uso Ardie and just his experience and professionalism he has brought to the jersey,” Matavao added.
“Every player on our side wants to lift and be better in the roles and a lot of that is made possible by Ardie’s leadership qualities within our side. There is no more doubts in the side and we all believe we can achieve greater heights.”
As for Matavao, being in the Super Rugby fold has been a boost as he looks ahead to taking that momentum when he hopefully gets to put on the Manu Samoa jersey later this year.
With two matches in New Zealand against Scotland and Fiji, he hopes to learn as much as he can to help Manu Samoa in their efforts.
“Being from Samoa we talk about the development of the game in our island, so having opportunities like this is beneficial for us from back home.
“The level here is a step up learning from these guys especially Ardie.”
