Mathewson steeled to retain starting role

There was no fist-pump from Alby Mathewson. No outward emotion at all. Just a grimfaced resolve that he now had to make the most of this opportunity.

Mathewson has survived the first week of life with Piri Weepu breathing down his neck. Again. His No 9 jersey is intact. The first battle has been won, even if the war rages on.

‘‘I’m really happy to be starting,’’ said Mathewson after Pat Lam named him alongside Michael Hobbs in the halves to face the Crusaders tonight. ‘‘Piri has had a couple of setbacks and I came in with a clear mindset to really push myself.

‘‘I’ve been happy with how I’ve gone pre-season and the coaches are happy with what I’ve done trying to implement the game plan.’’

Lam clearly has a plan with Weepu that involves the star off-season signing from the Canes co-existing with the dynamic Mathewson. That Weepu can also slot in at firstfive will help on that front.

But for tonight, it’s Mathewson who gets first crack against a player (Andy Ellis) who supplanted him in the All Blacks.

For a player whose natural state is somewhere between upbeat and excitable, the 26-year-old presented an understated demeanour as he contemplated the start of the long Super Rugby haul.

‘‘I can’t go out there and try to be a hero,’’ he said. ‘‘The coach wants us playing to the game plan, and this year that’s structured to get me involved a lot more with my running game. It really suits me.’’

Mathewson wasn’t anticipating an easy ride, despite the absence of Richie Mccaw from the Crusaders.