South African greats aim to go out with a bang
Source: Agencies |
September 1, 2011, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
JOHN Smit and Victor Matfield have done more than play international rugby together. They've grown up together. After the World Cup in New Zealand they plan to retire together - as world champions.
South Africa's most capped players and two of the great Springboks in the country's rich rugby history, Smit and Matfield have been ever-present for a decade, through World Cup triumph, Tri-Nations titles and a series win over the British and Irish Lions. The pair of 100-test veterans hope to lead South Africa to successive titles, a feat never achieved at rugby's showpiece, in their final act as Springboks.
But the questions remain: Is it one step too far for Smit and Matfield? Have they held on too long? And will South Africa's attempt to defend the title be distracted by their farewell?
"Victor and I, it's crazy. We've played a huge amount of tests together." Smit said. "We've seen each other get married, have kids. We've been through Staaldraads together, we've won World Cups and Tri-Nations, we've lost Tri-Nations. We've had our moments up and down and we've always had each other.
"For me, it's just a special relationship. A lot of people always take Victor for granted. He's a phenomenal player and a great leader. He's been a pillar of strength for me. I've relied on him heavily throughout my time as captain and he's stepped up and provided."
Matfield said: "Myself and John are big mates. We've been playing together for quite some time now. It's about knowing each other's body language, knowing what's coming and that always helps. It's fantastic what the two of us have."
But the 33-year-old Smit has come under fire for his place in the team and Matfield, 34 isn't as dominant as he once was in the middle of the lineout. But current coach Peter de Villiers retains faith in his two leaders to inspire the team again.
"I trust both of them completely," De Villiers said. "I know their abilities and how they can read the game. I think we are in a better position than we were a few years back."
South Africa's most capped players and two of the great Springboks in the country's rich rugby history, Smit and Matfield have been ever-present for a decade, through World Cup triumph, Tri-Nations titles and a series win over the British and Irish Lions. The pair of 100-test veterans hope to lead South Africa to successive titles, a feat never achieved at rugby's showpiece, in their final act as Springboks.
But the questions remain: Is it one step too far for Smit and Matfield? Have they held on too long? And will South Africa's attempt to defend the title be distracted by their farewell?
"Victor and I, it's crazy. We've played a huge amount of tests together." Smit said. "We've seen each other get married, have kids. We've been through Staaldraads together, we've won World Cups and Tri-Nations, we've lost Tri-Nations. We've had our moments up and down and we've always had each other.
"For me, it's just a special relationship. A lot of people always take Victor for granted. He's a phenomenal player and a great leader. He's been a pillar of strength for me. I've relied on him heavily throughout my time as captain and he's stepped up and provided."
Matfield said: "Myself and John are big mates. We've been playing together for quite some time now. It's about knowing each other's body language, knowing what's coming and that always helps. It's fantastic what the two of us have."
But the 33-year-old Smit has come under fire for his place in the team and Matfield, 34 isn't as dominant as he once was in the middle of the lineout. But current coach Peter de Villiers retains faith in his two leaders to inspire the team again.
"I trust both of them completely," De Villiers said. "I know their abilities and how they can read the game. I think we are in a better position than we were a few years back."
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
