Victor Matfield, a fierce competitor during his playing days, was known for leaving no advantage for his opponents, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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His relentless pursuit of perfection transformed him from a robust blindside lock into a nimble athlete who excelled on the field. Matfield developed an intuitive connection with both his own hookers and those of the opposition, even going as far as to request detailed footage of rivals’ lineouts, including their calls.
His meticulous approach yielded tremendous success, culminating in two Super Rugby titles, two Tri-Nations championships, a victory over the British & Irish Lions, a World Cup win, a man of the match performance in the World Cup final, and an impressive 127 caps for South Africa.
As Eben Etzebeth (32) gears up to potentially surpass Matfield’s record in the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Mbombela, it’s clear that Matfield is fully supportive of this next chapter. In fact, the only one still clinging to the family record seems to be Matfield’s 10-year-old daughter. She has been eagerly counting down the matches until Etzebeth breaks her father’s record, thanks to a large billboard featuring the current Springbok lock outside her school.
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Just days before Etzebeth matched the milestone against Argentina, the billboard vanished, sparking hope in Matfield’s daughter. She innocently asked, ‘Is he no longer going to break your record?’ When Matfield clarified the situation, her playful response was, ‘Do you want me to tackle Etzebeth for you?’
However, Matfield expressed his genuine happiness at the thought of losing his record. ‘All records are made to be broken, so I knew it would be broken. I’m really happy that it’s another lock that’s breaking it, and I’m happy that it’s Eben that’s breaking it. I think he can really go on and play close to 150 Tests, and it’s going to take a really long time for someone to break that record.’
Reflecting on his first impression of Etzebeth, Matfield recalled a moment of admiration.
‘We played 12 Tests together, so he actually started in that two years I was retired, before I came back for another two years. I was just in awe watching him run over people and just dominating with lovely lineout skills. When he came up to me, I said: ‘I’ve watched you play, I think you can play for the Boks within a year.’ He laughed and said: ‘I’m not even playing for Western Province yet,’ and I told him I saw what I saw, ‘you’re special.’ Within a year, Heyneke Meyer picked him for the Boks.’
Matfield reminisced about watching Etzebeth’s raw talent. ‘It was like watching a manchild. The big thing for me was his carrying ability. There was just no one that could stop him; you know when you watch kids in primary school, and you get this big strong boy who sometimes runs through the team, and nobody can tackle him? He was like that.’
He praised Etzebeth’s versatility and enduring skill set in saying, ‘He was just getting the ball and running through, and it took about four, five, six guys to tackle him. It almost looked like Jonah Lomu at his best. He could jump in the lineout as well. He’s almost a combination of Bakkies and myself.’
While he playfully noted Etzebeth’s one area for improvement, Matfield remains in awe of his physical prowess.
‘The only thing they haven’t taught him is to call the lineout, let’s keep that my specialty… but to be that physical and that athletic makes him a special player. That’s why he’s so crucial for South Africa.’
When asked to compare Etzebeth and his former partner, Bakkies Botha, Matfield hesitated. ‘I hate comparing guys and I always get asked the question. I just think with Eben he stayed more athletic as he got older, where Bakkies got heavier. That said, Eben hasn’t lost his athleticism and physicality even after 127 games. He reminds me of a young Bakkies Botha because when Bakkies was younger he was exactly like Eben.’
He emphasised that both players possess a unique psychological edge. ‘I’ve always said that you need one player in your pack of forwards where the other team get big eyes when they see him. That’s what I had with Bakkies, and I had it even with a young Eben when I played with him. I must admit I never saw him as the leader he has become, but he has grown into that.’
As the Springboks continue their journey, Matfield’s pride in Etzebeth’s accomplishments is evident, as News24 first reported.
He stated, ‘If you think of the World Cup quarter-final against France, he carried four guys over the line with him. I really believe he’ll go down as probably the best Springbok of all time.’
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Picture: Steve Haag / Gallo Images
