Legendary Springboks lock Victor Matfield believes that the All Blacks don’t pose the same threat as they used to.
South Africa and New Zealand will collide in rounds three and four of the Rugby Championship at Eden Park and Sky Stadium, with the former one of the most highly anticipated matches of the year.
The All Blacks have not lost at Eden Park in their last 50 games at the iconic ground, but they have not hosted the Boks there since 2013.
Tight five praise
Earlier this week, Scott Robertson named his squad for the first two rounds of the Rugby Championship with New Zealand heading to Argentina for back-to-back matches against Los Pumas.
Speaking on the Rivals podcast with All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan, Matfield was asked whether this is the team that is going to beat South Africa, with New Zealand currently on a four-game losing streak to the Boks
“I think it’s a good team. I do like what they are doing in their tight five,” Matfield replied.
“There’s a lot of experience there firstly, but a lot of youngsters coming through that can make an impact. We saw this weekend with Australia, the difference [Taniela] Tupou and [Will] Skelton are making, and John [Kirwan] has been talking about this [Fabian] Holland kid, a big body, who can have a big impact. The tight five is looking very good.
“[Wallace] Sititi was outstanding last year, so him coming back is a big plus for them.”
Less threatening backs
While Matfield is impressed by the strength in Robertson’s pack, the backline does not strike the same fear into the opposition’s eyes as the All Blacks of old, according to the Bok great.
“In the backline, I still feel it’s not the All Blacks of old, where you look at the backline and you think ‘How are we going to keep them under control?’” he said.
“It’s pretty much the same faces we’ve seen there for the last few years. The pack is definitely getting better, but I don’t see a big threat in the backs like you normally have with the All Blacks.”
Kirwan argued that modern defences have made the game more combative in the tight exchanges and there is less space for the backs.
This has increased the need for heavier-bodied players in the midfield and has limited the space and freedom for the rest of the backs.
However, the former winger still sees the value in out-and-out pace, which he believes the Boks have in spades in the back three
“The game’s changed so much, it’s so combative when you see players like Bundee Aki and Jordie Barrett, who is a big man. The pressure is now on the midfield, it’s bloody tough to get wide early, tough to create that flowing game,” he said.
“So we are seeing more of these big men that are closer to loose forwards than they are to outside backs. I’m confident with the experienced players and I’m pleased Leroy Carter has come in.
“The thing that concerns me the most about this South African side is just some of the pace you’ve got out wide. You’ve got some real genuine pace, and I love pace outwide. Recently, we’ve gone for big men like putting Rieko back on the wing, Caleb Clarke coming in, but I like that Leroy Carter, although it’s an injury replacement, has come in. When you do free up that space and make a half break, pace is important.
“I understand what you are saying, but a settled midfield that can get over the advantage line and rolling forward is important, especially against South Africa, because if you don’t, it’s a long day out.
Two key players
Matfield agreed, adding: “That’s one thing you need these days, all the top teams have to have 12 that can get you over that advantage line.
“You don’t really see the second playmaker at 12 anymore, you need someone who can bash it up, get that go forward.”
While Robertson’s backline selections don’t strike the same kind of doubt into Matfield’s mind, he does see Will Jordan and Jordie Barrett as key players for New Zealand.
“Last year, whenever Will Jordan was at 15, they also looked completely different. He makes a huge difference when he’s at 15 rather than on the wing. The influence that he’s got from 15 is amazing,” he said.
“It’s not a bad backline. It’s just not like it was in the past when you played the All Blacks, you were wondering how to stop them and now it’s a steady, solid group of players.
“Jordie is one of the best players in the world at 12. It will be competitive.”
