Former Springbok lineout king Victor Matfield believes Ruan Nortje is more than capable of filling the big boots of the injured Franco Mostert in the 2024 Rugby Championship.
The Boks face the Wallabies on August 10 and 17, in their opening clashes of the competition, with Nortje expected to prove his mettle after the Vodacom Bulls lock’s inclusion in Rassie Erasmus’ 33-man squad.
Matfield believes Nortje is the perfect stand-in for Mostert in the Bok second row. Speaking to Rapport, the 127-Test legend praised Nortje’s consistent performances, especially his lineout work and high tackle rate while emphasising his similar qualities to Mostert.
“There is definitely a difference between a four and five lock. He [Nortje] is through and through a five lock,” Matfield told Rapport.
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“They both have a high workrate, make a lot of tackles and are always first in the chase when the ball is kicked. Both of them are very good in the lineout.
“With Franco injured, he is probably the closest to a Franco Mostert we have.”
“[Nortje] has been fantastic for the Bulls for the last three years. Especially with his high workrate, and lineout work which is also very good,” he added.
“I am very happy about the chance he now gets with guys like Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert, who both play incredible rugby and are still in the picture, but who are now injured.
“Now I hope he gets a good chance to show what he can do at the highest level.”
Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images
The post Matfield locks in his Mostert replacement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
