Premiership Saints went into the two-month break flying high as league leaders and are using friendlies against Stormers and Sale, teams known for their physicality, to get them match-ready for their first league game back, at Bristol on Friday March 22.
With an unprecedented number of players away at the Six Nations - Alex Coles, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and Tom Pearson - Matavesi says it is up to those on club duty to ensure they're in a position to hit the ground running when they return.
It is something Saracens did so successfully when they dominated English rugby, and Saints must do the same if they are to realise their dreams of a first Premiership title in 10 years.
"It's been quite a weird year, we have had such an unbelievable start, then had a big break, and now we have to get going again," said the Fiji international.
"It's like that for every other team but I think, for us in these next two games, the boys here have to drive that so that when the boys that have been away with England and Scotland (prop Elliot Millar Mills), who have been pretty massive in getting us there, come back in, we are where we want to be for that Bristol week."
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CAN’T help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I can’t see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.
35 years on and Tim's charity still full of hope
IF YOU believe rugby is the ultimate team sport – which I still do – it is tempting to superimpose all its many fine qualities into other team environments.
'Ireland in blue' will provide stiffest test
PHIL Dowson and Leo Cullen first crossed paths in European action 10 seasons ago when Northampton did something they had never done before nor since: beating Leinster in Dublin.
Cardiff left in a mess by lively Edinburgh
CARDIFF’S last appearance at the Arms Park this season ended miserably as Edinburgh picked up a valuable four points in their quest for an end of season playoff spot.
RED ROSES
MADDIE FEAUNATI EXETER CHIEFS BACK ROW
Sharks look to have edge in Diamond derby
SALE boss Alex Sanderson has thanked Steve Diamond, his opposite number at Newcastle, for giving him extra motivation to win what has been dubbed ‘the Diamond derby’.