Springboks great Victor Matfield hopes he can enjoy a World Cup swansong to his remarkable career but doesn't believe he can emulate "great bloke" Brad Thorn and play into his 40s.
Matfield, 38, was persuaded out of retirement last year by Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer with the lure of another World Cup the carrot for the Boks' most decorated player.
He's out to honour Meyer's confidence but shied away from extending his career beyond Thorn's remarkable effort that finished last Monday, with the former All Blacks World Cup winner playing for the Barbarians against an England XV at the age of 40.
"We always knew what Brad brought to the game," Matfield told ESPNscrum.com.
"He was a very physical guy that really got stuck in and did a lot of the hard work. He's always been in great condition, even up to last Sunday. His work rate was still right up there.
"He's great player and a great bloke off the field as well; such a nice guy to spend some time with and have a chat after the game. But, no. I think he's going to tip me, I think 38 is far enough."
Matfield, on a farewell tour with his beloved Bulls Super Rugby side, has been happy with his form, mixing playing duties with a coaching role. It's come as an unexpected bonus and he clearly wants to go further, adding to his 121 test caps.
"I must say I was pretty happily retired. But when Heyneke asked me to come and meet, he believed I could still play another World Cup, I had to go and have a good think about it with my family and everything, but playing for the Springboks is always such a big honour.
"I really thought 2011 was it for me, but I kept fit, and it's nice when someone believes in you. Heyneke did believe in me, and he said, 'Listen, please come and help'. He said he couldn't promise me a starting spot, but he thinks I can bring something to the whole group with my leadership.
"I certainly hope I can play, my goal is still to start in the No 5 jersey for the Springboks. Whenever I play, I always want to be the best, but if it happens that I have to play another role, that's fine too.
"I've always said this comeback will be successful if I got to the World Cup and I can really help the guys, and hopefully win it."
Meyer has said he can't afford any favourites and promises to select with his brain and not his heart as he looks to weigh up the value of experience against form.
That will put pressure on Matfield to make his fourth World Cup but challenges are what have driven him throughout an extraordinary career.
