Rugby: Slow burner rake at top of his form

Motu Matu'u will start for the Hurricanes tonight when they meet the Highlanders in Dunedin. Photo / SNPA

Motu Matu'u was a late bloomer compared with many of the young pups in Super Rugby.

The hooker made his debut for the Hurricanes in 2012 at 24, although he had played ITM Cup for Wellington for a couple of seasons before that.

Now 27, the former Rongotai College pupil wasn't a player who made all the Wellington age-group representative sides as he grew up.

"I was never a big fan of footy back when I was at school," Matu'u said. "It wasn't until I got out of school and started playing club that I enjoyed it a lot."

That enjoyment fuelled his drive to push on to higher honours and he now has a prime job playing backup to Dane Coles for the Hurricanes. He is also a key cog in the Wellington forward pack given All Blacks like Coles rarely play in the ITM Cup.

Before rugby was a full-time job, Matu'u was a building apprentice and he has nearly completed the required theory to gain his seal of approval.

"It is quite tough with a Super competition because the schedule's quite hectic," he said.

Given he came in to professional rugby later than many - some players earn Super Rugby contracts in their first year out of high school - Matu'u took time to adjust to the rigours of the game.

His tough-tackling approach has provided an entertaining collection of highlights but injuries followed, while he admitted he struggled with his recovery processes. "When I first came here, as soon as I finished training you're going home and chilling out with your mates.

"You didn't know much about looking after your body," he said.

"But there's a big emphasis on looking after your body and recovery's a big part of that."

Pilates is now part of his week and after having off-season surgery following Wellington's disastrous ITM Cup campaign last year, he made his return to Super Rugby via the bench against the Blues in Palmerston North.

Matu'u will start for the Hurricanes tonight when they meet the Highlanders in Dunedin after Coles was ruled out with a dodgy elbow.

"There's a lot of homework. I've got to get my head in the books and learn a lot more of the calls," Matu'u said of the starting role. "I've got to make sure I'm accurate in everything I do."

Given Coles is required to take two games off this season as the All Blacks look to remain fresh ahead of this year's World Cup, Matu'u will get at least one more opportunity as the campaign rolls on.