Golden Lions president Kevin de Klerk and CEO Manie Reyneke announced on Thursday that John Mitchell will coach the Lions for the next 3 years.

Mitchell was surprisingly called in to coach the Lions for this year’s Currie Cup, even though he was still contracted to the Western Force for the 2011 Super 15.

The Western Force have stated they were reluctant to let Mitchell go but have released Mitchell from the final year of his contract. The Force will now be coach by current Wallabies skills coach, Richard Graham.

“Since John has been with us on a consultancy arrangement, we have been most impressed with his ability across our entire coaching structure” said a delighted De Klerk.

“It has been no secret that we wanted to engage John Mitchell on a longer term basis, but we realised this was always going to be subject to the Western Force agreeing to provide him with a release. We are thankful and appreciative that the Western Force gave us the green light.”

The decision has been made in consultation with Dick Muir, who remains the Director of Rugby at the Lions. This will now allow Muir the chance to operate in the role in a similar capacity to Rassie Erasmus at Western Province, and leave the daily hands on coaching to Mitchell.

Mitchell will be in charge of the Lions in both the Super 15 and Currie Cup, and is the second New Zealander to be in charge at the union after another former All Black coach Laurie Mains.

Mitchell had an 85% winning record with the All Blacks, however his returns with the Western Force have been very modest as they are yet to qualify for the semi-finals. Can he produce a similar turnaround to Laurie Mains?

The problem is that the Lions have a losing culture. They’ll need to recruit some big names, and develop the young talent. Where Mitchell may have an edge over “local” coaches is not being obsessed with bulk like most South African coaches.

It may lead to brave decisions such as promoting Elton Jantjies, which is the way forward for the Lions.

Can the Lions return to their winning ways like when they were the team of the 90′s? I still think not, but if the players show the same passion as Lions President de Klerk they may just have some hope.

“When I took over as president of the Lions I said I was only interested in leading a province of winners. The appointment of a coach of John Mitchell’s stature confirms that goal” said an optimistic de Klerk.

The Springboks and Wallabies are fighting to avoid the Tri-Nations wooden spoon, and lift the Mandela Challenge plate.

The Wallabies have yet to win a game in this year’s Tri-Nations competition, but wins in their final two matches would see them relegated from final position, and a morale boosting second spot.

To do so they’ll have to win at altitude for the first time in the professional era, and break a 47 year drought on the highveld.

HIGHVELD ADVANTAGE

In the 18 Matches played on the highveld between the 2 sides, the Wallabies have only ever won twice. The last time was 47 years ago at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The Wallabies have won 1 of the 3 encounters in Bloemfontein, however that victory was 77 years ago!

The Boks have yet to lose a test to Australia on the highveld since re-admission, and the only places they have lost home test matches to the Wallabies in this period is on the coast, at Durban and Cape Town.

It’s a strange decision by the Wallabies to base themselves at sea level, this week they are in Durban. They will only travel to Bloemfontein on Thursday. I would imagine the Wallabies will once again run out of puff, and provided the Springboks can at least stay close, they should be able to overpower the Aussies in the last quarter of the match.

MILESTONES

The 71st Test match between the two sides, and their 34th Vodacom Tri-Nations match with South Africa leading 42-28, and 18-14 respectively.

Since 1992 that record stands at 21-20 to Australia.

A total of 750 caps among the starting XV makes this the most experienced Springbok side of all time. The previous record was the 700 caps shared by the starting XV for the Test against New Zealand in Wellington earlier in the tournament.

Victor Matfield plays his 42nd Tri-Nations match, makeing him the 2nd highest capped player in the tournament behind George Gegan (48).

The Boks have played the Wallabies 3 times in Bloemfontein, for 2 wins and 1 loss and an average winning score of 16-14.

The Wallabies have only ever won twice on the highveld, 1933 in Bloemfontein, and 1963 at Ellis Park.

The Springboks have played 17 times in Bloemfontein, winning on 13 occasions, drawing once and losing just three times.
Their average score is 27-16.

South Africa hasn’t lost a Test match at Vodacom Park since 2000 when it was edged out 27-22 by England.

John Smit leads the side for the 76th time, and for the 28th time in the Tri-Nations making him the most capped cpatin in the competition.

If John Smit scores a try, he will be equal the Springbok try scoring record for hookers in a test match, held by James Dalton and Bismarck du Plessis (5).

Bryan Habana is currently tied for the most Springbok test tries (38) with Joost van der Westhuizen.

Jaque Fourie and Jean de Villiers will play in their 22nd test as a centre pairing since their first test together in 2005 against Australia at Ellis Park, extending their Springbok record as a centre pairing.

Wayne Barnes of England will officiate as referee in his sixth Test match involving South Africa. Of the previous five tests South Africa have won three and lost two.

TEAM SELECTION

Springbok coack Peter de Villiers predictably kept changes to a minimum after his sides first win in this tournament.

Flip van der Merwe and Danie Rossouw trade places after van der Merwe needed time for a neck strain to recover, whilst what looks like a serious shoulder injury to Butch
James brings Gio Aplon onto the bench in his place.

It’s time for this Bok side to show what it can given the largely settled nature of the side and ability to make excuses gone.

WALLABY CHANGES

Australian coach Robbie Deans has made 3 changes to his forward pack, opting for bigger, more physical men to match the size of the Boks.

“All three of the players coming into the pack will offer us energy. They know what to expect and – perhaps even more importantly – know what is required in order to be successful” Deans says.

The opening stanza at Loftus showed that the Wallabies can take the game to the Boks, and by reacting to the Boks lineup, they are trying to take the Springboks on at their own game.

That is a recipe for their disaster, and I suspect they’ve already lost the game before it is played. Add to that the decision to base themselves down at sea-level, and it’s evident the mind games have the Wallabies spooked.

PREDICTION

The game is probably as good as over. The Wallabies won on South African soil in 2008 to take the Mandela plate, but at altitude, with this squad, I can’t see them getting close.

The Boks will be looking for a massive performance before the core of the side earns a rest.

Scrum half Francois Hougaard gave an indication of how important a big win is for the Boks in their last Tri-Nations test. “I don’t think we’re going for 17-10, we want to crush them this time” said Hougaard.

If the Boks get away to a good start it could get ugly, otherwise it’ll remain close until the last quarter similar to Loftus.

Boks by 11

Go Bokke Go!

Springboks:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. John Smit (c)
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Danie Rossouw
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Pierre Spies
9. Francois Hougaard
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Francois Steyn

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. CJ van der Linde
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Ryan Kankowski
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Juan de Jongh
22. Gio Aplon

The Wallabies:

1. Benn Robinson
2. Saia Faingaa
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Dean Mumm
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Rocky Elsom (c)
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Matt Giteau
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. James O’Connor
15. Kurtley Beale

16. Stephen Moore
17. James Slipper
18. Ben McCalman
19. Scott Higginbotham
20. Luke Burgess
21. Berrick Barnes
22. Anthony Faingaa

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

The Wallaby side for the Tri-Nations and Nelson Mandela Plate clash to be played at Free State stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The Australians have made 3 changes to their forward pack as they look to match the Springboks physicality. It may limit their mobility slightly, and play into the hands of the Boks however who would prefer a slower, more structured game.

The Wallabies:

1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Rocky Elsom (c)
7. David Pocock
8. Ben McCalman
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Matt Giteau
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. James O’Connor
15. Kurtley Beale

16. Saia Faingaa
17. James Slipper
18. Dean Mumm
19. Richard Brown
20. Luke Burgess
21. Berrick Barnes
22. Anthony Faingaa

The Springboks resisted the temptation to make major changes for their last Tri-Nations encounter against the Wallabies in Bloemfontein.

With little riding on this game other than the Mandela challenge plate, Bok coach Peter de Villiers could have used this opportunity to test some players at International level, given that so much of the Bok focus has been placed on the World Cup.

Instead we have largely the same side, even though de Villiers has said many of his more experienced players are tired and need a rest.

In Smit, Matfield and Habana, de Villiers knows he has. Why not test some new players?

The Springbok coach sees it differently, preferring to focus on his responsibility to field the strongest side for the nation.

There are 2 changes which see Flip van der Merwe and Danie Rossouw change their posittions between the bench and starting lineup due to Flip van der Merwe straining his neck in the test match at Loftus Versfeld, and being given extra rest time.

The other change brings Gio Aplon on to the bench for Butch James who has dislocated his shoulder and will be sidelined for several weeks. James is seeing a specialist in Pretoria, and until then the full extent of the damage is unknown.

This is the side that was named on Tuesday at the press conference.

Springboks:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. John Smit (c)
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Danie Rossouw
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Pierre Spies
9. Francois Hougaard
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Jaque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Francois Steyn

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. CJ van der Linde
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Ryan Kankowski
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Juan de Jongh
22. Gio Aplon

The Springboks started off poorly against the Wallabies, but finished the stronger of the 2 sides in their 44-31 victory at Loftus Versfeld.

Until the last try to JP Pietersen in the 80th minute, the game was either side’s for the taking.

The stats sho that Australia enjoyed the greater territory and possession, but became increasingly less effective as the match wore on and they became affected by the altitude.

Their decision to stay in Cape Town until 2 days prior to kick off may have been a mistake, as they hoped to emulate the All Blacks and finish stronger than the Boks.

The Springboks were ale to force the Wallabies into playing to the Bok strengths, and the lineout steals reflect this.

Most of the other stats were remarkably similar, indicated by the fact the game was in the balance until the last minute, but the 31 missed tackles by the Wallabies may have been the key statistic.

It was also evident how poor the tackling was throughout the match, with 52 missed tackles. This led to first phase play being effective for both sides, and is reflected in both sides rarely taking the ball past 7 phases.

Have the Springboks turned the corner in their 44-31 win over the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld?

Just as the Boks win over the All Blacks in Rustenburg in 2006 was a turning point, this ugly yet important test victory over the Wallabies, may define the Boks 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign.

RELIEVED BOKS

After the match, Springbok captain John Smit was a relieved man as he was asked how he felt.

“Certainly it’s a good feeling. Last week my heart was broken, this week just feels so good to be able to let Victor enjoy it in front of his home crowd, it’s almost a fairytale” said Smit.

“It’s difficult when you get a start like that because you can look at it in 2 ways. You can see yourself as having a massive handicap and trying to chase it the whole time or you can see it as 60-70 minutes to go to get your game going and be patient.”

“We know we made one or two mistakes that gifted them tries but we also knew we have the whole game ahead of us. There was no inexperience or panic in the team and thankfully a few guys have seen this before and come back from it.”

THE BOKS HAVE LEARNT THEIR LESSON

Smit said the side was able to draw on past experiences, including the comeback test against the Lions last year, and no doubt from the disappointment of just 7 days ago at Soweto.

“Thankfully we’ve been in situations like where we’ve been able to learn from this. A year ago we were in a similar situation on this field against the British and Irish Lions.”

“As long as you draw on all those experiences, and we’ve worked hard in our 4 weeks off. Last week was better and this week was even better. Now we’ve just got to make sure we keep on improving.”

His vice-captain Victor Matfield echoed his skipper’s thoughts as he said, “Luckily we are experienced enough to know that when you start like that, you have to stick to the things you know and you don’t go out of your game plan. We stuck to what we knew and things started to happen for us.”

“I think it also helped the way the Wallabies wanted to play, it gave us the freedom to play and we knew if we played then things would happen for us.”

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers admired the composure his side showed, and will be aware his side was from perfect in grinding out a win.

“You will never play the perfect game. Last week we were a lot more intense, but this week we were more composed. In Soweto the guys were afraid to make mistakes and that showed in our play. Today that wasn’t the case and I think we benefited from that” de Villiers said.

AUSTRALIAN THREAT

With another game against Australia next week in Bloemfontein, de Villiers was well aware of the threat the Aussies posed.

“This defeat doesn’t make Australia a bad team. We did well to put pressure on their key players, but they are dangerous when they get space and we’ll have to be aware of that again next week. They’ve got some good dancers in the team, guys who can dance without hearing music. We’ll have to be a lot tighter defensively if we want to shut them out again.”

BOK FOCUS

When asked if he intended to lead the Boks into the next World Cup, Smit was emphatic in his desire to keep leading the Boks.

“No you’ll see me around. [It’s] certainly gonna be a year that I want to play well and I’ll be there. I’ll be putting my hand up. It’ll be up to the selectors and coaches to see if I’m good enough next year.”

“When you’re losing you’re always gonna cop it so we’ll just make sure we work hard.”

With Peter de Villiers set to lead us to rugby’s holy grail, one can clearly see where the Bok focus lies.

“Victor and I are relieved that it is done and dusted and now it is time to start on the next chapter. But we do that one day at a time and we know how much we need to improve and how much work there is for us to be ready for next year. It’s not all about this Tri-Nations, it is about being ready for next year’s seven week process” said Smit.

Whilst I have no problem with that as I also believe the World Cup is the most important trophy, I am not sure enough experimentation have taken place, or enough opportunities have been given to those who deserve it,

de Villiers appears to know who is strongest line-up consists of, and that will certainly be formidable, but what if one of his key players sustains an injury just before the World Cup?

Rudolf Straueli found out how they can bite one in the bum when his key weapons Bob Skinstad, Andre Pretorius and Jean de Villiers were ruled out of the 2003 World Cup.

It’s an important lesson for de Villiers to remember.

Now should be the perfect time to put in place contingency plans just in case.

The Springboks overcame a 14-0 deficit to finish the stronger of the 2 sides as they beat the Wallabies 44-31 at Loftus Versfeld.

Springboks 44

Tries: Juan Smith, Gurthro Steenkamp, Pierre Spies, Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen
Conversions: Morne Steyn (4), Butch James
Penalties: Morne Steyn, Francois Steyn

Wallabies 31

Tries: Will Genia, James O’Connor (2), Dean Mumm
Conversion: Matt Giteau
Penalty: Matt Giteau


It wasn’t a classic or error-free performance, but the Boks finished the stronger of the 2 sides as the Wallabies once again got spooked at altitude.

There was still a mixture of good and bad from the individual players however, as I am still convinced that we could select a better Springbok line-up.

Springbok player ratings:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 6

Carried the ball strongly at times to clean up loose ball. Took his try exceptionally well, showing great strength and determination.

2. John Smit (c) – 5

Better performance in the lineouts, his one wayward throw cleaned up by the athleticism of Matfield.

Always gives 100% , but is a yard or two short of pace around the field, and lacks the dynamic play that most other hookers bring.

3. Jannie du Plessis – 4

A largely anonymous performance in the tight or with ball in hand.

4. Flip van der Merwe – 5

Worked hard around the field, but didn’t carry the ball as strongly as he usually does. Possibly struggled to back up his strong effort from a week earlier.

5. Victor Matfield – 6

Missed two tackles early on that led to Wallaby tries. Came back strongly however, dominating the lineouts as the Boks played to his strengths more as the game wore on.

Will be happy to break the Springbok hoodoo of losing on in your 100th test!

6. Schalk Burger – 4

Not fast enough to play in the fetching role. Was not able to break the gain line with ball in hand and set those up around him.

Was also not visible in support for the linebreaks and offload chances created by the Springbok midfield which has to be his job.

7. Juan Smith – 6

A fantastic work rate in defence and attack. Not always accurate, coughing up at least 3 balls in good attacking positions, but took his try well with a great handoff on Drew Mitchell.

8. Pierre Spies – 3

Explosive with ball in hand without busting through tackles. Fortunate not to get subbed for Kankowski.

Is becoming a liability on defence. Goes in way to high, without fully committing himself. Someone needs to teach Spies to tackle!

9. Francois Hougaard – 9

A match winning performance from the young scrumhalf who reminds me of a young Joost van der Westhuizen. Dangerous sniping around the fringes, good kicking game and excellent covering on defence.

A couple of poorly weighted kicks and needs to improve the speed of his pass. However brilliant running with the ball, and made a match winning tackle on Adam Ashley-Cooper that could’ve won the game for the Boks.

Most players miss the tackle completely when they are one-on-one and the winger steps back inside, such as when JP Pietersen did it to Kurtley Beale late in the game, so for Hougaard to dislodge the ball on Ashley-Cooper was an unbelievable tackle!

10. Morne Steyn – 8

A much improved performance from Soweto with a great all round kicking game.

Took the ball to the line and asked questions of the Wallaby defence that created more space out wide. Was a strange decision to substitute him in the second half.

11. Bryan Habana – 1

Woeful. From IRB player of the year in 2007 to one of the worst. Had said through the week he was ready to step up and produce an improved performance.

Missed an easy kick that gifted O’Connor a try. Was barely seen after that, albeit partly due to Bok tactics.

12. Jean de Villiers – 6

Missed two tackles early on that led to Wallaby tries, but came back strongly running the ball. Had no support to make anything off his linebreaks which is not his fault.

13. Jaque Fourie – 6

Strong at times with ball in hand, but not able to step like de Jongh can, or link up with his outside support.

14. JP Pietersen – 5

Took his try well, but didn’t offer much else. Unlike the Wallaby wingers the Bok wings don’the look for enough work and try to get involved.

15. Francois Steyn – 3

Gio Aplon would’ve been much better for the Boks. Inaccurate with his kicking, it appeared Steyn was scared to run the ball back initially.

Caught on defence numerous times, almost cost the Boks in the first few minutes as Drew Mitchell got close. Gave away the penalty that led to the Wallabies second try.

Missed another tackle on Slipper in the 60th Min that almost cost the Boks. For all Kirchner’s detractors, at least he is solid in defence.

Kicked 1 long range penalty, but if Morne Steyn was on, he would’ve got it anyway.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle – 6

Gave away a silly penalty early, but tackled well and made a great turnover later in the game. The scrum looked weaker as soon as Chili entered however.

17. CJ van der Linde – 3

Not on long enough to be rated.

18. Danie Rossouw – 5

Made a few tackles but didn’t make impact required.

19. Ryan Kankowski –

Not used

20. Ricky Januarie –

Not used

21. Butch James – 6

Solid with his kicking, but didn’t offer anything else.

22. Juan de Jongh -

Not used.

The Springboks overcame an early Wallaby onslaught to win 44-31 in their Tri-Nations test at Loftus Versfeld.

Springboks 44

Tries: Juan Smith, Gurthro Steenkamp, Pierre Spies, Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen
Conversions: Morne Steyn (4), Butch James
Penalties: Morne Steyn, Francois Steyn

Wallabies 31

Tries: Will Genia, James O’Connor (2), Dean Mumm
Conversion: Matt Giteau
Penalty: Matt Giteau

BOKS OVERCOME BY EMOTION?

The Wallabies weren’t able to capitalise on a dream start, and it was the Boks who had more gas in the tank as they produced a stronger second half performance to close this match, and keep their Loftus record against Australia intact.

Whether the Boks just don’t deal with the emotion of milestones well enough I’m not sure, but the Wallabies struck early through some poor defence.

Initially it was Jean de Villiers and Victor Matfield who missed Will Genia close to the Bok line, and then from a kick, poor Springbok chasing, and missed tackles from de Villiers and Matfield again, let the Wallabies score a superb long range effort.

The Boks struck back with a great inside ball to Juan Smith, something they don’t use often enough.

However from the restart Bryan Habana produced one of the biggest shockers of his career as he missed the ball and gifted James O’Connor a try.

The Boks once again ensured the Aussies weren’t able to build a substantial lead, scoring through a well worked try at the attacking lineout to Gurthro Steenkamp who showed great determination to barge over.

However more poor defence allowed the Aussies to score a bonus point try after just 25 minutes! At this level, conceding 4 tries is not good enough, let alone just after the first quarter of the match is completed!

At half-time the score was 28-24 to the Wallabies, who probably felt they deserved a greater lead as they had the better of the half.

BOKS STRONG IN SECOND HALF

The Springboks came back stronger as the match wore on, and actually outscored the Wallabies 20-3 in the second half.

The Boks were able to stop the Wallaby runners by making the game tighter. More lineouts, where Victor Matfield could dominate, played into the Springboks hands.

The Wallabies had their chances, but passes weren’t sticking like the initial exchanges. I think the altitude got to them, and Robbie Deans made a coaching hash as he failed to utilise his bench and inject fresh legs.

The Boks meanwhile appeared to have learnt from Soweto, and Peter de Villiers used his bench much better and showed confidence to substitute his captain John Smit and goal kicker Morne Steyn (for Chiliboy Ralepelle and Butch James). Although I am not convinced you should sub either your captain or flyhalf/goal-kicker.

NOT A COMPLETE PERFORMANCE

Whilst the Boks were satisfied to have gotten the win, it was not a complete performance at all.

The Springbok player ratings reflect the wide range of inconsistency in individual performances, which stifle the sides ability to be consistent.

Some players are excelling (Francois Hougaard), others displaying the Bok attitude without always executing correctly (Juan Smith, Victor Matfield, Morne Steyn, Jean de Villiers), and others just woefully inadequate and needing to be dropped (John Smit, Bryan Habana, Pierre Spies).

The Boks did hold onto the ball better than previous performances, and were even rewarded with a great try to Pierre Spies as they went through 10 phases. This kind of play needs to be replicated more.

There was still a propensity to kick away too much ball (and Frans Steyn was guilty of that), but I felt Morne Steyn started to vary his kicks well as he mixed up the high kick with long range kicks for touch.

DE VILLIERS IS SAVED!

Just as in 2006 when a victory over the All Blacks saved Jake White’s career, this win probably ensures de Villiers will remain coach until the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The onus now is for the Boks to keep improving, and produce more consistent performances away from the fortresses of Loftus and the Highveld, in places such as the UK and New Zealand.

Week 8 of the Currie Cup saw 2 major upsets, and 6 teams move into contention for semi-final spots!

With both the Pumas and Cheetahs causing upset results (over the Blue Bulls and Western Province, it creates a log jam on the Currie Cup table, and ensures the race for semi-final spots will go down to the wire.

The Sharks continued their winning ways, smashing Griquas at home to be almost sure of a home semi-final spot and possibly top log position. They will certinaly be hard to reign in now.

Western Province have now suffered 2 losses in a row, and like the Bulls are losing momentum, whilst the Cheetahs and Lions appear to be heading in the right direction.

Griquas are slowly moving backward, and each game from now on takes on greater and greater signifance as log points and points differentials start to become more and more vital!

Victor Matfield may just be the greatest rugby player in the world.

Victor Matfield

Whilst that is only my opinion, the respect for the giant lock is universally accepted from friend and foe alike.

Matfield earns the distinction of playing his 100th test on his home ground of Loftus Versfeld this Saturday against Australia.

He becomes the third Springbok behind Percy Montgomery and John Smit to achieve the feat, and the 15th player worldwide.

Matfield earlier this week said “Your first game in a Springbok jersey is very special and to play your 50th as a Springbok is incredible, but to run out for your 100th game is something you never expect to happen.”

Being the consummate professional, Matfield was thinking of the team more than his own achievements leading into the test.

“We hope we can turn around our mistakes and bad luck from the first four games and come up with something special on Saturday” said Matfield.

PLENTY OF PRAISE

However his team-mates, coaches and the rugby public have been exuberant in their praise and want to honour the legendary lock.

Approximately 35000 Victor Matfield masks are to be handed out at Loftus Versfeld in honour of Matfield.

His Springbok captain John Smit had this to say: “If anyone deserves a victory on his home ground then it is Victor Matfield. If you look at what he has already achieved on that field in the Currie Cup and Super 14, he is one of the greatest rugby players that has ever lived.”

Matfield’s mentor Heyneke Meyer was invited to hand out the Springbok jerseys this week and said, “The one thing that makes him great is that he always leads by example. His professionalism speaks volumes.”

“He doesn’t get the credit he should as captain but the trophies speak for themselves. I think he is probably the best lock that has ever played the game.”

“It is a great achievement by Victor, and it will be that more special because it is at Loftus. He will want the team to win on his 100th game – for the country, not for himself.”

Friend and team mate at the Bulls and Springboks, Fourie du Preez had this to say, “Victor still puts in enough work on the field, he makes the right calls and has been unfairly marked as a player who is over the hill. Perceptions about him are wrong. He is definitely the type of player you want at the World Cup next year.”

“He is a guy who understands the soul of the game and studies it continuously. He has a lot of character and always puts the team first. He listens to others opinions and is a special player. I feel privileged to have played so many games with him.”

And du Preez provided a valuable insight as to something I believe makes Matfield special, and that is more than wat he does on the rugby field. “Above that he is a good family man and has a lot of time for people he loves. There is a good balance in his life” said du Preez.

GOOD LUCK FOR SATURDAY!

Unfortunately Bok milestones don’t often go according to plan, such as Percy Montgomery and John Smit’s 100 tests, but Matfield is different.

For a start he is a student of the game, reads widely on personal development and leadership topics which gives him great balance as an individual, and works harder than any other player.

He is always leading from the front at training, and is a master tactician. He’ll be pumped for this game, and have spent hours analysing and preparing for it.

For the world’s best rugby player, I’m sure he’ll get the result he so rightly deserves!