Pablo Matera explains Dane Coles' handshake snub
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Los Pumas forward Pablo Matera has explained why he snubbed Dane Coles' handshake after Argentina's 53-3 loss to the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.
As per tradition, the All Blacks and Pumas played exchanged handshakes after a gruelling test match in September but Matera snubbed Coles and pushed his shoulder before continuing to shake his teammates' hands.
No love lost between Matera and Coles.#NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/CBsF0faFdZ
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 3, 2022
Speaking on the What A Lad podcast, Matera explained his reasonings for doing so while admitting that it is something that he is not proud of.
“That was not something I’m not proud about, to be honest, because I know there’s a lot of young kids or young players watched the game and it’s not a good example.” Matera said.
“I’m one of the guys that says ‘the things that happens on the field stays on the field, that’s how it has to be always but that day was a bit different to be honest.
“I think he came in when there was like ten minutes left and he just continued picking on me, in every ruck, in every scrum, saying something. To be honest, it really hurt me, some strong things, I don’t want to repeat it but I couldn’t understand why, because they were winning by 40 points, he just came on, I didn’t understand why he was with that attitude.”
“I know he’s obviously a great player but I know he’s a great guy as well because some of his teammates spoke to me after the game and came and say ‘oh he’s a good guy’ I said ‘I’m sure he’s a good guy, I’m sure’ I just couldn’t understand why he kept picking on me.
“He said things that I’m sensitive about, like me being in New Zealand, ‘you don’t belong here’ and I was like if you knew how much effort for me and my family to be able to come to New Zealand you wouldn’t be saying these things.
“But that’s it, it won’t happen again even though I didn’t want to give the time to him because I can take the disrespectful… I shouldn’t have done it because the game is bigger than any player.”
Asked if he would accept an invite for beer if Coles offered, Matera replied: “100 percent, yea.”
Listen to the full podcast.
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