Celebrating a masterful centurion
26 Aug 2010
RYAN VREDE writes that Victor Matfield is crawling into his 100th Test instead of breaking the tape at speed, but that shouldn’t diminish our appreciation for a national treasure.
Sure, Big Vic’s performances of late, particularly at the lineout, have been ordinary. But remember that we measure him by an extraordinary standard, and do so because he is an extraordinary player. Ordinary for Matfield is exceptional for his competitors.
Matfield has not only mastered lineout play, he has evolved it to the point of transfiguration. The rugby landscape is littered with artists in No 5 jerseys. Matfield stands alone as a scientist, one whose mere presence has reduced even the most sure-handed hookers to something resembling tanked-up darts players. He is the benchmark, one that will take some matching, let alone surpassing.
That dedication to mastering his primary craft is what sets him apart. And herein lies the secret to Matfield’s potency – there will surely be a buck of equal talent to emerge in the future, but it’ll take a level of sacrifice and application which is uncommon in the new generation of players to ensure that talent is translated into the consistent on-field dominance Matfield has exhibited for the bulk of his career.
But his proficiency isn’t limited to lineout play alone. He is a student of the game in the truest sense. To illustrate, I recount a story in SA Rugby magazine’s November 2009 edition where former Wallabies coach and consultant to the 2007 World Cup-winning Springboks, Eddie Jones, tells the story of the first experience he had with Matfield in a coaching capacity.
‘It was pre-2007 World Cup camp and the discussion was attacking formations. Victor was watching so intently, and it seemed like a recorder was running in his mind. I’m sure if I’d asked him to repeat what I said at that time he would have done so verbatim. Then he strolled over and said, “Eddie, what about that play you guys ran for the Brumbies in 2000? You know, the eight-man lineout?”
‘Mate, he proceeded to describe the play down to the finest detail. He’d obviously dissected it thoroughly and knew how and why it could work for the Springboks. He even had ideas about how the play could be improved!
‘I’d heard that he was pretty deliberate about his preparation, but this was something else. I think he only debuted in Super Rugby that year [2000], but he’d been studying Super Rugby plays while he was just a provincial player. That blew my mind. Jake [White] told me he was special before I was invited to coach with the Boks, but that incident – as simple as it may seem to some – perfectly underlined his immense value to the Boks and showed me first-hand exactly why he is held in such high regard.’
Matfield has also been a mostly unacknowledged leader in the Springbok team, and one whom captain John Smit has relied on heavily for direction, guidance and perspective throughout his six-year tenure.
In an interview with Matfield in February 2008 we spoke about the present and future. He’d won everything possible in the game, and he thought he was content to end his career at then French D2 club Toulon. He had a three-storey villa overlooking the Mediterranean in the exclusive suburb of Carqueiranne. Toulon were paying him a mint to scrap with butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. Holidays in Corsica and Monaco and other glamorous locations were commonplace. In French Matfield was a bon vivant – a person who enjoys the good things in life.
But his belief that he could make telling contributions to Springbok rugby, as a player and a leader, hadn’t diminished as he thought it would. His return to South Africa wasn’t logical, some would even consider it plainly stupid. But it said everything about Matfield’s deep affection for the Springbok jersey.
Whether at 33 years old Matfield has the physical capacity to emerge from the slump he currently finds himself in remains to be seen. He may yet taint his reputation by being one of those greats who hang on despite being spent, and in doing so adversely affect how they are remembered. But he has consistently proved his class and dismissing him as a has-been would be to expose your opinion to utter embarrassment in future. Here’s hoping the final chapters of Matfield’s career are marked by successes and not moments that sully our estimation of him.
On Saturday, wherever you are, stand to your feet and cheer loudly to honour a living legend. You may not see a genius like Matfield again in your generation. In fact, the rugby world may not ever see a player to match him. And he is ours.
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132 Comments
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26 Aug 2010, 13:40 pm
@Puma(Puma)-33: Lived in all 3 big ones. Durbs, CT and Jozi. Currently in Jozi. Winters much better here than CT’s but can’t compare with Durbs.
26 Aug 2010, 13:47 pm
Massive congratz and deserved 100 caps. You are a true legend of Springbok rugby and have been a key component of our successes in the last 7 years.
Hats off mate – and your not spent yet, just take a break from money making for a bit and get some rest and conditioning and you could hold another WC trophy
26 Aug 2010, 13:49 pm
@Mike H(Mike H)-52: We lucky him and Jake sorted out their differences a few years ago…
26 Aug 2010, 13:52 pm
53. Bok fan(Bok fan) :
Indeed, and I think both were better off for it.
Victor said it himself, he was subborn and arrogant, I don;t think Jake took it and they both had to learn to listen to one another – and compromise.
26 Aug 2010, 14:24 pm
Plus Victor has completely independent eyebrows. Not too many locks with them.
26 Aug 2010, 14:35 pm
I cannot wait for Vic’s autobiography. I mean he is the only captain in SA that can include a chapter (or three) on winning the Super 12/14. I will then have to wait another 20 odd years to read the chapters about the first guy to win the Super tournamount and World Cup as player and coach. Hopefully he can win the World cup next year as captain just to add to it all.
26 Aug 2010, 14:40 pm
@Horings(Horings)-56: How cool an ending that would be to the Big Man’s career. Playing career that is. I’m sure he’ll go into coaching one day, and be successful at it!
26 Aug 2010, 14:49 pm
He has by far the most impressive CV of the 3 Bok centurions: 1 WC, 2 TN’s, 3 S12/14′s and a couple of Currie Cups. Surely the Grand Slam must be no.1 on his “Things still to do” list? Even more important that another WC perhaps.
26 Aug 2010, 14:59 pm
Yup big up to Vic. A gent and a clean player to boot.
Time for JS to exit and join the bok mngmnt, Vic to lead us.
Oh well we can dream.
26 Aug 2010, 14:59 pm
@UnbeataBULL(UnbeataBULL)-57: I’m sure he will. Rassie and Victor are the 2 players that analise/ed there performances for hours after each match
26 Aug 2010, 15:06 pm
Big Vic deserves credit. He has been a massive figure in Springbok rugby in the last few years.
Just read some bad news about Brussouw:
South Africa and Cheetahs flank Heinrich Brüssow will undergo follow-up surgery to his knee which will further delay his return to playing.
The operation, set to be performed on Tuesday, means Brüssow will be unavailable for selection for the Springbok tour to Europe in November.
Brüssow was assessed during the recent Springbok training camp in Johannesburg and it has been agreed that a second operation is needed in order to ensure that he is 100 per cent fit and available for the 2011 season, which includes the Rugby World Cup.
26 Aug 2010, 15:13 pm
@Yetirat(Yetirat)-61: One thing that this test season showed us is that you have to replace like for like. If Brussow is not available then you have to select Stegmann. Those are the only two that can combat McCaw/ Pocock in a test match. I cannot understand PdV picking Spies, but the two guys making him look good for the bulls is left behind.
26 Aug 2010, 15:25 pm
@Muttonbird(Muttonbird)-50: hehehehe. It would really have to be low to depend on calling kiwis name… My inferiority is only such that I haven’t experienced what much of NZ has…
…sheepshagging.
26 Aug 2010, 15:33 pm
Congrats to VM. Great player who goes about his craft with little ‘hoo-hah’. I think he has the benefit of a much better side this weekend and expect his 100th appearance to end with a win.
26 Aug 2010, 15:37 pm
Francois Steyn, who has been called up for South Africa’s Tri Nations match against Australia, is “not ready” for Test rugby, according to his Racing-Metro coach Pierre Berbizier.
“I don’t think so,” former France scrum-half Berbizier said when asked whether full-back Steyn was ready for a return to the high-octane world of Test match rugby.
“I said that to the South African team officials, whether Francois is ready for an international match against teams which are already at their fifth or sixth game (of the competition).”
Steyn replaces Gio Aplon in the No 15 jersey following a 29-22 home loss to New Zealand last weekend.
Steyn last wore the green and gold two months ago in Cardiff where his fitness came under fire from coach Peter de Villiers after a three-point triumph.
De Villiers subsequently questioned the loyalty of the 2007 World Cup winner to the team and his recall comes after intense media pressure as the Springboks continue the search for a first-choice fullback.
After Wales, Zane Kirchner from Super 14 champions Northern Bulls was elevated and made six appearances before an injury ruled him out of the All Blacks showdown at Soccer City.
The pro-Steyn media lobby believe the booming boot of the former Coastal Shark and ability to kick penalties from extraordinary distances make him indispensible and a ‘must’ for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand
Sydney Morning Herald
26 Aug 2010, 15:39 pm
@Horings(Horings)-62:
Yeah I’m more for rectifying issues concerning our own ball retention at the breakdown before we rush off and worry about stealing opposition ball.
Spies is a hype, you’re right about that! I’m all for Big Joe at 8, Steggies at 6 and Smith at 7. They might take a few games to gel, but by God you watch the work rate of that loose trio increase from where we are now!
26 Aug 2010, 15:50 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-65:
After the games in NZ, Pinnear was going to be the saviour, then Hougard and now Superman returns, there is no continuity in selection which builds a team just straw clutching from coaches and fans. You would be happy to know Sir Ritchie will be winning the IRB player of the year award again this year?
26 Aug 2010, 15:53 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-67:
No one player can win a match, it’s a team effort but some seem to forget.
Richie should have been MoM in Soweto without doubt. Don’t have to like the dude and his ‘antics’ but one has to respect him.
26 Aug 2010, 15:56 pm
Congratulations and good luck with the game on Sat Big Vic.
Hope to see you back to your best at the WC 2011.
26 Aug 2010, 15:56 pm
Super article – bang on the money and very interesting.
Matfield, and for that matter Smit, were in excellent form as recently as last year.
I think it is burn-out – glad it has happened now and not next year. Both men need a rest and reconditioning and shouldn’t go anywhere near a rugby field for several months after this season is over.
Matfield can definitely recover – he was good on Saturday, not at his best, but the best lock on the field for the bulk of the game. He spoilt quite a few of their lineouts and its not his fault that Smit spoilt his 100th game with the worst performance of his career, bad lineout throws and all.
He is essential for next year … Smit, unless he can radically recover his best form (unlikely) – not essential.
26 Aug 2010, 16:01 pm
@OCO(OCO)-68:
Fair enough but if he was South African it would be a different story we both know that, he is the greatest 7 the world has ever seen and it really doesn’t matter what the clowns on KEO write because his PEERS have nominated him 5 or 6 times to be IRB player of the year and they will do again this year as he is the best rugby player on the planet.
26 Aug 2010, 16:03 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-67: Sometimes I hope for the collective sanity of NZ that Reechie does indeed hold up the cup next year…
Othertimes I just say farkit, let me short NZ securities next year roundabout Oct 2011…
26 Aug 2010, 16:07 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-72:
Would be nice he deserves it.
26 Aug 2010, 16:10 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-73: No team “deserves” it. They must win it. No excuses.
And next year on NZ turf, with Sherrif P OBrien as head prefect of the laws of the game and no doubt an Irishman again in charge of the final – there are no excuses for the “No 1.” side in the world.
You do realise that, don’t you…?
26 Aug 2010, 16:14 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-74:
You’ve been watching too much of the History channel and conspiracy doco’s, you are correct in saying NZ are the No 1 team but that is nothing new, there won’t be a Paddy reffing the final it’ll be a SAFFA.
26 Aug 2010, 16:24 pm
MATFIELD is an old man now.
He played like an old man against the ABs
Flip was terrific.
The BOKS have zero chance of making the finals in 2011
never mind winning it
Dont waste your energy supporting them
They arent worth the ticket price
from a heart broken Bok supporter
26 Aug 2010, 16:28 pm
@Boksarenumber4(Boksarenumber1)-76:
He ain’t that old, Thorn is 35 and will play next year.
26 Aug 2010, 16:35 pm
#73. NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)
You are quite correct – McCaw deserves Player of the Year Award for 2010 – stand-out player, no question at all. His game is nothing short of perfect and his captaincy has also improved. I’m quite amazed at how he keeps going year after year – including EOYT’s one after the other, where he continues to perform at top level.
But last year he was relatively average in the three games the All Blacks lost against the Boks and Fourie du Preez was head and shoulders above him. Du Preez was perfect in 2010 and Star of the Show against the Lions – and in S14.
He’s the one who should have got it last year – but that favouritism for NZ runs so deep through the admin of the game, they gave it to Richie and that wasn’t accurate or fair – don’t get me started.
26 Aug 2010, 16:35 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-72: Daring stuff to hope for that (even sometimes) from your shores. Imagine – no more A4Ys and “choker” jibes for using in arguments. Collective sanity at risk.
26 Aug 2010, 16:39 pm
@J.B. Cowper(J.B. Cowper)-78: I’d agree, although McCaw is an excellent player, last year SA player was more appropriate for top award.
26 Aug 2010, 16:43 pm
@J.B. Cowper(J.B. Cowper)-78:
Totally agree, Du Preez deserved it without a doubt last year. I am also amazed at how he has performed year in year out at the very top of his game, sure he may have got outplayed last year but that has to happen sometimes and you will always have off years, is there any player that has played as well as he has for close to a decade?
26 Aug 2010, 17:08 pm
#81 NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)Reply to this comment
- Michael Jones – I rate him fractionally higher than McCaw; Victor Matfield is thereabouts as well, so was John Eales and the Frenchman Benazzi -
But as a flank forward Jones is probably the best I’ve ever seen …
Going back to Ritchie though – how does he survive so long without getting injured?
26 Aug 2010, 17:21 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-75: Heaven forbid a Kiwi reffing the final in NZ…
Wouldn’t that be nice for the Kiwis…
26 Aug 2010, 17:26 pm
@Boksarenumber4(Boksarenumber1)-76: Matfield put in more work than Van der Merwe and ran the lineout, he just did less ball-carries
26 Aug 2010, 17:26 pm
@Nils(Nils)-79: Count yourself lucky. Collective sanity for Bok supporters has gone past risk of breaking point… There are probably more loyal Kiwi Bok supporters than Keo Bok supporters…
It may have something to do with all those darling Stormer players getting smashed in green and gold…
And then they getting smashed in blue and white…
Nowhere to turn to…
26 Aug 2010, 17:34 pm
Congratulations, in his prime no one to touch him in the air, but he’s slowing up big time, both he and smit need to be put on ice and special conditioning programs so that they go to Rwc 2011, even if it off the bench, rested and fir like juan has shown, makes these guys come back as different players but they are playing too much rugby at their age.
Rest him total for rest of year after Aussie game
26 Aug 2010, 18:12 pm
Congrats Big Vic on a great achievement. Let’s hope that you celebrate your 100th with a victory. I don’t think Loftus will be full, but you might get the few loyal Bulls supporters going to celebrate your achievement. Those masks worry me though!
26 Aug 2010, 18:17 pm
@cab(cab)-86:
Are you truly in good health? Surely not?
I could swear by these quoted words of YOURS;
” but he’s slowing up big time, both he and smit need to be put on ice and special conditioning programs so that they go to Rwc 2011, even if it off the bench ”
that you must be running a ravaging deathly FEVER and you are in DIRE need of EMERGENCY attention. Jump in a bath of cold water to stabilise that climbing temperature. Then quickly get yourself to the nearest ER, but soon.
Just a week or so ago these two m o n keys were your mainstays and now they are your off the BENCH darlings?
Seems like science trumps the emotions even for you big “brekers” in the land of the DECREPIDS.
Please stay with them in your WC team as I want my scientific analysis to be absolutely correct come WC 2011.
26 Aug 2010, 18:19 pm
@NZINCHINA(NZINCHINA)-81: Brian O’Driscoll has been right up there since 1999.
26 Aug 2010, 18:20 pm
Victor Matfield is also very intelligent. He was a A-Grade student at school achieving a host of destinctions in his matric final exam. A very talented man this.
26 Aug 2010, 18:22 pm
I salute Vic Matfield…a True SA Legend.
26 Aug 2010, 18:32 pm
Whilst most people were whining about the amount of time he spent in the backline, they missed the fact that his timing of his passes put most of our backs to shame. The man is probably the most skillfull rugby player to have worn a number 5 jersey along with Eales.
26 Aug 2010, 18:36 pm
Well done Big Vic.
He is very close to my All Time XV, if not in it.
26 Aug 2010, 18:37 pm
How more vain(“you probably think this song is about you”) big ‘brekers’ ‘Boks forwards(of all players) become as centurions?
Groot Johannes Smit tjank met sy familie omdat hy net n rugby wedstryd verloor het.
En nou Victoria Matfield wat 30000 lelike maskers van homself vir kinders wil iutgee en bang maak?
What has happened to that manly, stiff upper lip game of the likes of Frik DuP, and Jan Pickard, and Jan Ellis and Jan Boland Coetzee and Piet Greyling that we now witness so much VANITY? Must be all the bucks they have to spend on their faces, I guess.
26 Aug 2010, 18:42 pm
@ET(ET)-94:
Well it all started at Loftus. They started singing love songs to men! I mean what do you think?
26 Aug 2010, 18:46 pm
@ET(ET)-88: scientific analysis, lol, please tell all…
26 Aug 2010, 18:51 pm
@ET(ET)-94:
none of those old timers had endorsements…
26 Aug 2010, 18:54 pm
His former coach, Meyer rates him as the best ever in the history of the game as a lock(not even just a #5). How can that be when he is nothing more than an equisite jolly jumper just better than that other Bull jolly jumper, John Williams?
He is too incomplete a lock-forward(hardly ever features in the real tight grit and grind) to even be in my top ten and my top ten has the likes of John Eales, and Frik Du Preez and Oliver(NZ) amongst others.
26 Aug 2010, 19:00 pm
If the core get rest and conditioning before the Wc – we will make it to the WC finals.
That’s my call – ridicule me if the time comes and it’s not true.
This is the greatest Bok rugby team of my 29 year lifetime with some of teh greatest players in bok history.
Only the AB’s can beat us come WC. Hope we only meet in the finals.
26 Aug 2010, 19:03 pm
@Bill Reyts(Gumboots)-95: @gunther(gunther)-97:
The only truth(like mine) amongst the plethora of lies here today.
Those real men would still be real men even with endorsements.
Hey Mr. G, I frankly and nicely answered your question about the early contracts 2 days ago but you did not respond to my throwing your question back at you.
Do you think it unusual(those contracts)?
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