Retired Springboks Lock and legend backs the world champions to rise to the occasion as they face the All Blacks this weekend.
Springboks legend Victor Matfield on why the South Africans will rise to the occasion against the All Blacks. Image Source: Springboks legend Victor Matfield on why the South Africans will rise to the occasion against the All Blacks. Image Source: Matfield believes the Springboks will return to their best form when they face their old foe as they look to retain their Webb Ellis trophy.
The two rugby powerhouses are set to lock horns in a mouthwatering World Cup final contest for the first time in nearly 30 years on Saturday.Looking at the previous two clashes, the Springboks faced the hosts France in an end-to-end, high-paced encounter against hosts Frace in the quarter-finals.After that tie, the reigning world champions played a semi-final fixture against England that was mostly fought in the trenches.
“I think it will be easier than last week. I think last week was difficult after an emotional game against France, the host nation, the celebrations afterward, and people giving Rassie champagne for a quarter-final. It took a lot out of us,” Matfield says.“Then you go into a week against England and everyone is expecting you to win. It’s hard to get yourselves up there, especially with the way we play.
“To be there, you need to be at 100 percent, if you are at 98 then you struggle,” adds the 46-year-old ex-Blue Bulls star.“A World Cup final against the All Blacks, facing the haka, going out there, those boys will be there, they are going to be at their best.“All the tiredness and all the emotions will be behind them. They will be at their best for a big game.”
The eagerly anticipated clash between the two giants will be staged at Stade de France on Saturday night, 21:00 .Chiefs: Johnson names the best player he ever coached
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