Victor Matfield says the Springboks can expect an “ultimate test” of their all-round ability when the world champions and New Zealand renew hostilities at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The first of two Tests between the traditional rivals in the Rugby Championship will be played in Johannesburg, and at Cape Town Stadium a week later.
Following their win when the two teams met at the Rugby World Cup in Paris less than a year ago, the Boks are looking to claim three wins in a row over the All Blacks for just the second time in the professional era, matching the record set in 2009.
Speaking on the latest episode of Sky Sport NZ’s ‘The Breakdown’ with All Blacks icons John Kirwan, Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina, former Bok Matfield highlighted the intensity and pace of the Kiwis’ game as a challenge for Rassie Erasmus’ charges.
“The one thing about the All Blacks is always the intensity. I can remember after 2009, when we beat them three times in a row, we arrived at Eden Park and they just lifted the intensity. They were there, they were quick at doing everything,” the 2007 World Cup winner said.
“Against this Bok team, if it goes from set piece to set piece, it will be a good game for South Africa. The All Blacks will definitely want to lift that intensity and play with pace.
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“We always look forward to the Rugby Championship where we can measure ourselves against the All Blacks because it’s the ultimate test.”
During a recent instalment of SuperSport’s ‘Final Whistle Presents Side Entry’, Matfield raised an eyebrow at the lack of “athletes” like Jonah Lomu who helped make the All Blacks one of the most dominant teams on the planet.
He was speaking after the Kiwis started their Rugby Championship campaign with a shock loss to Argentina in Wellington, but bounced back with a stylish bonus-point victory two weeks ago.
“In the second game it felt like they were dangerous,” the 127-Test lock said.
“I was used to the All Blacks having a back three that is really dangerous, but I felt in that first game the backline didn’t really have it.
“In the second game with the changes, it felt like an All Black backline that can get over the advantage line, that is really dangerous when they get the ball.
“They’ve got pace, size and everything so it was a much better team that they picked for that second game.”
Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
