All Blacks sign Matavesi
In a move which even All Blacks' head coach Jon Hill said was somewhat "unexpected" – the 19-year-old is to link up with the Launceston club in a bid to not only give him vital game time within the National Leagues, but further develop his blossoming talents.
Having played a bit part role with the undefeated Chiefs so far this season, the arrival of Matavesi to Polson Bridge is sure to add another exciting dimension to the All Blacks' back division.
"To be honest, we've not been actively seeking to bring any other players in," explained Hill. "However, when a player like Josh Matavesi is offered to you, then you're not going to turn that opportunity down.
"Like every player here, Josh will have to earn the right to a shirt in the squad, but I know a lot about him and I know how good a rugby player he is. Having spoken with Robin Cowling up at the Chiefs, they realise it's important that at his age he needs to be playing regular rugby. We're obviously delighted that they've chosen us as a club to give Josh that opportunity."
Matavesi will, however, have to wait a week at least to make his bow. Although a deal has been agreed between the clubs, Hill confirmed last night that the Truro-born back would not be part of the travelling party for tomorrow's National League One encounter at Cambridge.
It's a fixture Hill admits he – and his team – are looking forward to, even though the club have lost their last two fixtures.
"We've only played there twice in the past, but on both occasions we've won two very tight games up there," added Hill. "Hopefully, we can keep that run going, but we know it's going to be a tough assignment for us.
"On their day Cambridge are a fantastic side. They have some quality players and they've invested a lot into their club. I think it's no secret that this season – a bit like last year – they want to get promoted."
But whilst Cambridge have high aspirations, so do the All Blacks who will be seeking a quick remedy to the troubles of the past fortnight where they have lost to both Blackheath (away) and Sedgley Park (home).
Hill admits both results were "disappointing" and is hopeful his side will be able to bounce back tomorrow. "Both individually and collectively as a group, the players were very disappointed with last week against Sedgley Park.
"We made far too many basic errors at crucial times in the game and that's something we have talked about this week. We need to eradicate those errors from our game. If we do, then I think we stand a good chance of doing something.
Hill added: "As I've said for a number of weeks, this division is very tight. With the exception of Manchester, the side second from bottom can beat the side in third or fourth. There is really very little difference between sides, so it then comes down to who does what on the day – and that is where we need to improve."
Team changes for the All Blacks see Tim Mathias come in at loosehead for Jason Bolt, while Tom Rawlings returns in the back-row at the expense of Josh Lord.
In the backs, Lewis Webb starts at scrum-half; Ed Lewsey is hoping to shake off a niggle to start at centre, while Ben Turner takes over on the wing from Jon Fabian. Mal Roberts again skippers the side from full-back.
Cornish All Blacks: M Roberts (capt); J Luff, R Westren, E Lewsey/L Paterson, B Turner; T Yapp, L Webb; T Mathias, D Semmens, N Bayliss; B Jenkins, B Hilton; M Rawlings, T Rawlings, S Hocking. Replacements: J Bolt, B Pow, D Kimberley, J Lord, J Fabian.
Josh Matavesi with sponsor Andy Hardy of Premier Carpets (left) and All Blacks supremo Jon Hill
