Bools would have won with Matfield

I'm certain that's true....they lacked leadership and tactics. It didn't help that they were totally outplayed at 9, 10, 12 and 13. But nevertheless they were in with a chance. Victor adds so much in clean ball, linking play and decision making it would have tilted the balance.

That's what experience provides....that's what rugby smarts provides.

So what does that tell us about where Meyer is going. Sure there are some horrible choices in the squad....Brits, Kirchner...he'll JJ Engelbrecht as I have been opining over the last year. 

But name one player who wasn't chosen who is likely to make a difference in a RC final. Brussouw is the obvious counter....but he was thoroughly outplayed by the Stormers  a week ago. He is too small, great heart and all. That was also evident at the last RWC.

Our team  will be fine. 

"Victor adds so much in clean ball, linking play and decision making it would have tilted the balance.

That's what experience provides....that's what rugby smarts provides."

What would have tilted the balance.  The Bulls took enough line out ball - over the number Matfield could possibly have helped with.   Would his moonlighting in the backline have helped in this case?  Highly doubtful - with rare exceptions it destroy the backline as an attacking unit.  He does not deliver anything in tight play - so what in practical terms would he have provided?  Near to zero.

His calming influence would not have stopped Engelbrecht from buggering up - it would not have stopped Hougaard and Potgieter from kicking away balls aimlessly.  It would perhaps have avoided one try - the on where Hattingh knocked on the kick in - nothing else.

Praises sing ing does not produce the goods.  Matfield is not the answer to anything at present - he is just going to take a feew line outs - which any decent lock would have done anyway and he is not producing the goods in tight play.  The man is past it - period.

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