That is the view of some experienced Otago rugby men after Alhambra-Union beat Dunedin 26-10 in the Dunedin club final at Carisbrook on Saturday.
"I thought Matt was outstanding today," former Otago representative and Highlanders assistant coach Phil Young said. "I liked his organisation on defence and his ability to get to the breakdown and make tackles.
"One of the things that really impressed me was his mobility, his ability to be involved at the breakdown, get on his feet again and again and be involved at another breakdown.
"The energy he showed today was outstanding. He inspired his team-mates really well."
Former Alhambra-Union club coach and chief executive of the Otago Rugby Football Union John Hornbrook rated Clutterbuck highly.
"He is the best openside flanker I've seen for a few years in club rugby," Hornbrook said.
"I have a couple of mates who were pretty good rugby players and one of them played for the All Blacks and they have watched him play.
"They feel Clutterbuck's got the goods. Why aren't we using him? It's unbelievable."
Highlanders assistant coach Murray Roulston worked with Clutterbuck a month ago, and has changed the way he plays.
"I thought he used to be a bit lost at times in a game," Hornbrook said. "He's very good now."
Otago coach Steve Martin last week said "significant research" had been carried out on Clutterbuck.
He said the Alhambra-Union flanker was a very good player but there were others in the position who had more to offer. Alhambra-Union has always had talented backs, but Hornbrook added sound forward play when he was the premier coach.
"In recent years, Ian Arthur has been a major part of the Alhambra-Union psyche, and Mike Moeahu has done a great job with the team in the last three years," Hornbrook said.
"It was a pretty comprehensive victory today."
