Alby Mathewson
Scrumhalf
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Profile
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Height:
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173cm
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Weight:
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93kg
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Date Of Birth:
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13/12/1985
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Place of Birth:
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Hastings
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Stats
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Super Rugby Caps:
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96 (13 Force, 47 Blues, 36 Hurricanes)
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Super Rugby Points:
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90 (18t)
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Super Rugby Debut:
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2007 v Reds, Brisbane
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Test Rugby Caps:
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4
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Test Rugby Debut:
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2010 v Australia, Christchurch
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Profile
Alby Mathewson is a livewire scrumhalf who joins the Emirates Western Force as the side’s international marquee player for 2013 and 2014. Mathewson’s pace and eye for a gap has ensured he remains a constant threat at the base of the ruck, complemented by an accurate and direct passing game. The four-time All Black has remained a consistent performer in the Super Rugby competition since making his debut for the Hurricanes in 2007 before switching to the Blues for the 2010 season. The move reaped immediate dividends when he was named New Zealand’s Super 14 Player of the Year and earned his Test debut following his first season with the Auckland-based side. The try-scoring scrumhalf has made a habit of crossing the line, touching down six times apiece in consecutive seasons (2010 and 2011) with the Blues. Mathewson, who made his Test debut against the Wallabies in 2010, brings with him a wealth of experience and will inject further attacking flair into the Emirates Western Force backline.
Timeline
2006
Represents the New Zealand side that finishes third at the IRB Under 21 World Championship, scoring a try in the 39-36 win over Australia in the third-place play-off; named Wellington Club Player of the Year; named as an apprentice in the Wellington Lions squad; makes his National Provincial Championship debut for Wellington in their 11-3 win over Manawatu; starts off the bench for Wellington in their National Provincial Championship final loss to Waikato (37-31).
2007
Makes his Super Rugby debut for Hurricanes in their 25-16 loss to the Reds in Week One; plays 11 matches for the Hurricanes; scores his maiden Super Rugby try in Week Two in their 39-32 win over the Chiefs.
2008
Plays 11 matches for the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby season; called into the All Blacks Spring Tour squad to replace the injured Andy Ellis; makes his All Blacks debut off the bench in New Zealand’s thrilling 18-16 win over Munster in Limerick.
2009
Plays 14 matches for the Hurricanes, scoring two tries; plays two matches for the Junior All Blacks in their undefeated Pacific Nations Cup campaign, including scoring a try in their final 47-25 win over Tonga in Suva; signs with the Auckland Blues.
2010
Plays 13 matches for the Blues, crossing for six tries; crowned New Zealand Super 14 Player of the Year; makes Test debut for the All Blacks in their 20-10 win over Australia in Christchurch during the Tri Nations Series; earns his run-on debut in the All Blacks’ 26-16 win over England in Twickenham during the Spring Tour; finishes the season with four Test caps, including a further one against Australia (Hong Kong) and Ireland (Dublin).
2011
Plays 18 matches for the Blues, crossing for six tries; plays his 50th Super Rugby match in the Blues’ 24-22 win over the Crusaders; represents Auckland who finishes fifth in the ITM Cup Premiership Division, crossing for a try in his side’s opening 40-33 loss to Canterbury.
2012
Plays 16 matches for the Blues, crossing for one try; helps lead Auckland to their first ITM Cup final since 2007.