Victor Matfield inspired to win next clash of Rugby World Cup against Samoa - Rugby News
The South African side is looking for a win in their last Pool match against Samoa on September 30 in North Shore City. The Springboks are currently leading at the point’s table among the other Group D teams with three victories after equal outgoings but they still face the threat of being ruled out from Rugby World Cup if they do not win their last encounter of the first stage. Wales and Samoa have won two matches each after playing 3 games in the ongoing global showpiece. Victor Matfield told journalists on September 27 that it is a must win game for the squad and they would leave no stone unturned to clinch victory against Samoa.
If Samoa wins the upcoming game against the Springboks, they will be level with the South Africans on the points table and they will assessed by who has the better goal average. Another upcoming match in Pool D is between Wales and Namibia, which is likely to be won by Wales and possibly give them bonus points. Namibia has done nothing remarkable in the so far played matches and no major upset is expected.
Meanwhile, Boks require a simple victory against Samoa and the job will be done for them to pass the first round hurdle. Matfield, who will make a comeback into the Boks’ side, declared the upcoming clash a knockout encounter.
Matfield added that, “It is a knockout match for us because if we do not win, we will not qualify. Island rugby is unpredictable, but Samoa showed in beating Australia in July that they do have a lot more structure and that will make them good adversaries. They will be tough opponents.”
The South African coach, Peter de Villiers, also cautioned his side not to underestimate their rivals as they are totally unpredictable. He argued that, “There was a bit of needle in their match against Fiji – it was like South Africa playing England. What stood out was how good they were in the scrums and that is a bit of bother for us.”
The much anticipated match will be played on September 30 in North Shore City.
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