Bok icon Victor Matfield has questioned why New Zealand Rugby continues to overlook some of the “best players in the world” due to their policy on overseas-based stars.
Matfield believes this decision is costing the All Blacks key talent, including Brodie Retallick, Richie Mo’unga, and Shannon Frizell, who are now in Japan.
The Kiwis face the world champions on Saturday in the first of two clashes in the Republic between the old foes in the 2024 Rugby Championship, in what will be Scott Robertson’s first Test as New Zealand head coach against the Boks.
Speaking on SuperSport’s ‘Final Whistle presents Side Entry’, Matfield said: ““I went through the teams [for the Ellis Park Test] and I sat back and thought ‘Actually they are on par’.
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“But then I went to that bench and I just looked at the Bomb Squad, the players that South Africa will put on from the bench in that second half and that’s where the difference is and that’s where we sit – the depth of the South African squad at the moment is our biggest strong point.
“Then we again go back to why isn’t New Zealand letting a guy like Retallick, Mo’unga, and Frizzell [be selected] – these are the guys that you want playing for your national side.
“They’re the best players in the world. Why aren’t they playing? And that’s the questions we’ve been asking to New Zealand Rugby. And only they can answer.”
While the Boks might have the edge, Matfield remains cautious of the All Blacks’ evolving team under Robertson. “I felt in that first Test against Argentina, it wasn’t the kind of New Zealand backline we’re used to,” he added.
“But the team they picked this week already looks different.”
Photo: World Rugby
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
