Matfield looks to make record books
South African Springboks lock Victor Matfield is on the eve of earning his 100th cap with the club. Matfield is aiming to be the first ever Springbok to claim victory in his 100th appearance.
Former full-back Percy Montgomery was denied his 100th cap victory and just last week Boks captain John Smit faced a similar fate when his side lost to the New Zealand All Blacks.
Matfield mentioned that he was excited to win the cap on the weekend, however expressed regret saying, “I would have loved to have Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez there alongside me. We’ve created so many great memories together. We’ve become very close over the years. But that’s how rugby goes. I’m sure they’ll be in the change room to share the moment.”
Botha was suspended for the entire tournament after just the first game, when he heat-butted a member of the All Blacks, while du Preez continues to be sidelined with an injury.
If Matfield does hope to collect his record breaking 100th cap victory, his Boks side will have to be much better on the weekend. Having lost all four matches so far in the 2010 Tri Nations Cup and currently sitting in last position with only one point, their chances of winning seem thin.
The Boks are set to take on the Australian Wallabies tomorrow in their second meeting of the tournament. In the first encounter the Wallabies ran over the Boks in Brisbane, using their speed to their advantage.
With the recent string of losses many have questioned whether a veteran filled roster can keep up with the younger Australian squad. Matfield had this to say of his current condition, “I feel like I could play 10 more. My body feels fine, but I am looking forward to the break after the Tri-Nations where I can get some rest and put in some good conditioning work.”
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