Ben Volavola’s World Cup experience with Fiji was the perfect preparation for next year’s Super Rugby season according to Fiji and Crusaders assistant coach Tabai Matson.

The former Waratahs and Southern Districts flyhalf started all four of Fiji’s Pool A matches and did no harm to his chances of earning the starting No.10 jersey when he joins the Crusaders in 2016.

“He was outstanding and I think he got better as the tournament unfolded. Each performance was built on the next week and the next week so we were really happy and he was really happy with his performance as well,” Matson told Rugby News.

“He definitely grew into the tournament, so I think he just needs an opportunity to play at a high level more consistently.”

Matson said the experience of playing against England in front of 84,000 fans at Twickenham was invaluable and would put Volavola in good stead for the 2016 Super Rugby season

“There won’t be any Super Rugby crowd that comes close to that, so with regards to dealing with big time atmosphere, he’ll never have to deal with anything like that at Super level.”

The typically clinical 25-year old made a handful of uncharacteristic mistakes throughout the tournament, however Matson said that didn’t concern the Crusaders coaching staff, particularly because he bounced so quickly.

“That was actually the most pleasing part to be honest. Anyone playing flyhalf is going to make mistakes because you get the ball so often, but the important thing is that it doesn’t effect your next decision.

“He’s a hard working guy and he knows the areas that he needs to improve and that will be ongoing if he is really going to reach his potential.”

Following the departure of Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor, Matson said Volavola is currently in the box seat to claim the Crusaders starting flyhalf position for next season.

However he’ll be forced to compete against former Chiefs playmaker Marty McKenzie and Canterbury’s ITM Cup No.10 Richie Mo’unga for the starting spot.

“When you compare Ben to the other two No.10’s in the program, he’s played at the pinnacle of World Rugby, so if he has a good off season and if he continues the form that he showed at the World Cup then he is going to be an absolute contender to own that position.”

Matson said it was no secret that goalkicking would play a big part in the eventual decision.

“It’s fairly clear, teams that have been successful at Super level have all had a world class goal kicker,” he said

“We are in a position where we have just lost three world class kickers and three world class No.10’s so someone that can knock over goals will be a player that coaches look to select every week.

“The other thing for us is game control and game management. For all three of our young No.10’s, whoever can manage the game best will get the nod.”

Despite losing All Black legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, plus a host of other big names, Matson said the Crusaders would still be competitive in the new look 2016 Super Rugby season.

“We have high expectations here which drive our standards and our belief that we can be successful every year. We’ve had 11 players leave plus a few others fall over through injury so we’ll be thin on the ground but it won’t change philosophically what we try and do next year.

“You’ve got a new franchise system, new teams coming in, plus it’s post World Cup so it’ll be an interesting year for us and everyone next year.“