JOHANNESBURG - (ANA)
Victor Matfield says it is never “meaningless” when you pull on a Springbok jersey as South Africa play Argentina for the third place spot at the Rugby World Cup at the Olympic Stadium this weekend.
The Boks’ 20-18 loss to New Zealand means they face the Pumas before heading home for some well-deserved rest and recuperation.
Matfield won’t be on the return flight as he will take up his latest challenge in England’s Premiership with Northampton Saints, but he wants Heyneke Meyer’s team to send out a strong message before then.
“It is never a meaningless game when you pull on the Springbok jersey,” he said. “We will have a good couple of practice sessions these next two days.
“For one or two guys it is their last match in the Springbok jersey and we want to make it special for them. We want to make people fear the Springbok jersey again.”
Matfield was part of a success-laden era for South Africa that featured the 2007 World Cup win and a series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2009, which they followed up by winning the Tri-Nations title against Australia and New Zealand.
Now the challenge is on to the young group of Springboks to take their team forward starting on Friday and then in 2016 when Ireland visit for three tests ahead of The Rugby Championship.
While it is not yet clear whether coach Meyer will still be in charge, Matfield – who won the 2007 Super Rugby title with him – has no doubt Meyer would relish the challenge.
“We have great young players here,” Matfield said. “It is a very young squad with five or so experienced guys. There is so much talent and I think Heyneke would love to keep working with these guys.”
Against New Zealand they competed fiercely at the breakdown and even led at half-time, but while they stayed in touch on the scoreboard, in truth they weren’t able to find a way either through or around the All Blacks’ defence.
“It started with Japan with one of the darkest weeks ever. The next week was one of the best weeks to be involved in as Heyneke pulled Schalk (Burger) and Fourie (du Preez) and the guys in behind him. We almost went from down in the dumps to something really special.
“I think we did enough and I think there were opportunities. We gave them that soft try in the beginning that gave them momentum. Then we led 12-7 but they came back and then the rain came and made it hard to attack, but I think we got the tactics right.”
African News Agency (ANA)
