SOUTH AFRICA LEGEND MATFIELD DECLARES CURRENT SPRINGBOK CROP ‘THE GREATEST’
Victor Matfield, a revered figure in South African rugby, has boldly asserted that the present iteration of the Springboks is the finest team the nation has ever fielded. This proclamation will soon face scrutiny as the Springboks gear up for a challenging series against their historic rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks, commencing this Saturday.
The highly anticipated matches will unfold across various venues, with Johannesburg hosting the initial clash and the concluding international, while Cape Town and Baltimore are set to welcome the second and third fixtures, respectively.
These rugby titans have a storied rivalry, with South Africa boasting victories in the last two Rugby World Cups, while New Zealand claimed the two prior championships. Collectively, the two nations have secured seven titles out of ten tournaments, underscoring their dominance on the global stage.
In addition to their World Cup success, South Africa has triumphed in the last two editions of the Rugby Championship, while New Zealand has led the board with nine titles from the previous eleven competitions.
The history between these two teams is rich, dating back to their first encounter in Dunedin in 1921, culminating in a total of 110 Test matches. The All Blacks have emerged victorious in 63 of these contests, while South Africa has won 43, with four draws recorded.
Matfield, a linchpin in the Springboks’ 2007 World Cup triumph, is well-versed in the pressures of international rugby. He recalls the bond he forged on the field with Bakkies Botha, which was renowned for its intensity and effectiveness.
“The Springboks have an innate ability to secure victories,” asserts the 49-year-old, who has since transitioned into a prominent television analyst and podcaster. Reflecting on a recent narrow win over Argentina, where South Africa edged out with a 17-10 score, Matfield noted, “Despite their subpar performance laden with errors, they found a way to clinch the win.”
The squad that will face New Zealand will feature only two players from that match: fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and experienced lock Eben Etzebeth. While Etzebeth is a steadfast choice, head coach Rassie Erasmus grapples with selecting the playmaker amongst Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, and Handre Pollard.
“Selecting the fly-half is always challenging… Sacha has consistently impressed us on the field. He was pivotal in our victory over them last year,” Erasmus explained.
Libbok will serve as a substitute, while two-time World Cup winner Pollard finds himself omitted this series, known for his conservative on-field strategy but exceptional goal-kicking abilities.
“This series is monumental, and the way we commence the series is crucial. Although there is still time for adjustments, winning the opener is paramount,” Erasmus acknowledged candidly, conveying his nerves ahead of the first test.
This marks the All Blacks’ first full tour of South Africa since 1996. The series, dubbed the “Greatest Rivalry,” offers not only bragging rights but also the coveted World Rugby number one ranking for the victor. Fans are encouraged to stay informed with constant updates and analyses throughout the tour.
Captain duties will be undertaken by World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit, while regular captain Siya Kolisi is granted additional time to recover from a hamstring strain.
New Zealand’s head coach, Dave Rennie, who took over from Scott Robertson in March, recognizes the steep learning curve facing his squad as they aim for recapture of former glories. He admits to a significant amount of introspection before finalizing his selection, which he disclosed just two hours prior to the Springboks revealing their lineup.
“Competition for spots has been fierce, and certain positions, particularly in the second row, required intensive discussions,” Rennie stated.
The only alteration to his team that recently dominated the Nations Championship against Ireland is Fabian Holland stepping in for lock Patrick Tuipulotu.
Marketing this series as “the Greatest Rivalry,” organizers claim it is “a competition unlike any other,” boasting a trophy designed to symbolize the rivalry, which was revealed earlier this week. In the event of a drawn series, the trophy, which consists of interlocking magnetic halves, will be shared.
SPRINGBOKS AND ALL BLACKS TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
South Africa Team:
Starters: 15-Damian Willemse; 14-Cheslin Kolbe; 13-Jesse Kriel; 12-Damian de Allende; 11-Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10-Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 9-Grant Williams; 8-Jasper Wiese; 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit (capt); 6-Paul de Villiers; 5-Ruan Nortje; 4-Eben Etzebeth; 3-Wilco Louw; 2-Malcolm Marx; 1-Ox Nche
Replacements: 16-Jan-Hendrik Wessels; 17-Gerhard Steenekamp; 18-Zachary Porthen; 19-Cobus Wiese; 20-Andre Esterhuizen; 21-Marco van Staden; 22-Cobus Reinach; 23-Manie Libbok
New Zealand Team:
Starters: 15-Damian McKenzie; 14-Will Jordan; 13-Quinn Tupaea; 12-Jordie Barrett; 11-Josh Moorby; 10-Ruben Love; 9-Cam Roigard; 8-Ardie Savea (capt); 7-Luke Jacobson; 6-Tupou Vaa’i; 5-Fabian Holland; 4-Josh Lord; 3-Tyrel Lomax; 2-Codie Taylor; 1-Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16-Asafo Aumua; 17-George Bower; 18-Fletcher Newell; 19-Anton Segner; 20-Peter Lakai; 21-Kyle Preston; 22-Anton Lienert-Brown; 23-Leroy Carter
