Matera Named in Super Rugby 2018 Team of the Season

Pablo Matera has been named in the Super Rugby 2018 Team of the Season. The Jaguares captain was named by the Opta Index as the leading #6 flanker in Super Rugby.

In naming Matera in the team the Opta Index noted that:

(Matera) won 13 turnovers (five more than he conceded) and was one of just three players to average 10+ carries and 10+ tackles per game.

The selection of players is based on statistical criteria. This saw Chiefs fly half Damian McKenzie being named as the Player of the Season based on three factors – (a) being the top New Zealand point scorer, (b) beating 74 defenders, and (c) kicking 62/80 goals for the season.

McKenzie’s team was the stand-out according to the findings. Based on individual performances the Waikato provincial based side had four players in the Super Rugby 2018 Team of the Season. Joining McKenzie are Solomon Alaimalo, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Brodie Retallick.

The Team of the Season, though comes with great controversy as the 2018 champions, the Crusaders and beaten finalists, the Lions only have one player each named in the side. They are Crusaders winger George Bridge and Lions hooker Malcolm Marx.

SUPER RUGBY 2018 TEAM OF THE SEASON
15 Israel Folau (Waratahs), 14 Solomon Alaimalo (Chiefs), 13 Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), 12 Michael Little (Sunwolves), 11 George Bridge (Crusaders), 10 Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), 9 TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), 8 Akira Ioane (Blues), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks), 6 Pablo Matera (Jaguares), 5 Lodewyk De Jager (Bulls), 4 Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), 3 Taniela Tupou (Reds), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Steven Kitschoff (Stormers)