A driving force in the Crusaders' run to Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final, Pablo Matera feared his shot at a first championship trophy was in jeopardy, after drawing two yellow cards in the semi-final against the Chiefs.
That brought his season total to four yellows and a mandatory judicial process that - to his huge relief - found no "pattern of concern", clearing the Argentina enforcer for the decider against the Blues.
"I couldn't handle my emotions," said flanker Matera. "I was very happy, it's a dream come true to come here and be able to play a final.
"You never know if you are going to have another chance to play a final."
Matera was a member of the Jaguares team that fell to the Crusaders 19-3 in the 2019 final at Christchurch. The first Argentine side in Super Rugby were left high and dry the following year, when COVID-19 disrupted the competition.
Australia, New Zealand and South Africa retreated into domestic tournaments, leaving the Jaguares to fold and former captain Matera headed north to Stade Francais.
Unable to beat the Crusaders three years ago, Matera, 28, joined them this season and has fitted seamlessly into Scott Robertson's back row.
The blindside's uncompromising style has tested officials' patience at times, but proved priceless in helping push the Crusaders over the gain-line, and giving backline teammates time and space to attack.
The Crusaders are bidding for a sixth championship trophy in as many years at a soldout Eden Park on Saturday, but Matera is targeting the first of his career.
"I have honestly never won anything," he said. "I've been playing in different teams around the world for 10 years and never won a competition .
"This is a big chance for me."
A hot commodity as one of the world's premier loose forwards, Matera has yet to commit to a second year with the Crusaders, but said he would decide on his future within days.
"I don't want to lose too much focus on what's happening now, because it's really intense and I'm enjoying it a lot.
"I want to stay here in the moment and make the most of it."
Reuters
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Blues v Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific final
