Victor Matfield, the legendary Springbok lock, didn't mince words when he revisited the contentious 2013 Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park, where South Africa felt the sting of injustice against the All Blacks. The match, infamous for Bismarck du Plessis' red card following a colossal tackle on Dan Carter, ended in a 29-15 defeat for the Springboks. This incident has been a sore point, reignited every time the teams lock horns, especially on New Zealand soil.
The game was dramatically tilted when Du Plessis was first yellow-carded for his hit on Carter, a move that many, including Matfield, still view as one of the greatest tackles in rugby history. "We should have won that day," Matfield reflected on the Rivals podcast, "then they gave Bismarck du Plessis a red card for one of the greatest tackles ever on Dan Carter, and that screwed us a little bit." This sentiment starkly contrasts with Sir John Kirwan's perspective, the ex-All Black winger who thought the tackle deserved a lengthy suspension, jokingly adding, "It was so late, it was nearly half-time."
"It was the best tackle just under the chest, one solid hit. But that’s what happens when you tackle Dan Carter."
Despite the setback, du Plessis returned post-sin-bin to score, narrowing the score to 17-10 at halftime. However, his game ended prematurely in the second half with another yellow turning red for a clash with Liam Messam. The All Blacks seized the momentum, with Kieran Read and Sam Cane extending the lead, securing a victory despite Patrick Lambie's consolation try for the Springboks.
Turning to the upcoming fixture at Eden Park after a 12-year hiatus, Matfield emphasized the significance of the encounter. "It’s going to be a massive Test match," he predicted, pointing out that past lessons and the current form will make for a historic showdown. Kirwan also chimed in, highlighting the All Blacks' recent struggles in key moments of big games. "The maturity of this All Black side is going to be really evident at Eden Park because we’re going to have to win the critical moments," he remarked, foreseeing a tight match likely decided by a mere three points.
As the Springboks gear up to challenge the All Blacks' formidable record at Eden Park, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both teams, fresh from their respective previous games, are set to make this a test match to remember, drawing on their deep-seated rivalry and recent form to potentially rewrite the narrative of encounters at this iconic venue.
2,193 posts
Victor Matfield, the legendary Springbok lock, didn't mince words when he revisited the contentious 2013 Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park, where South Africa felt the sting of injustice against the All Blacks. The match, infamous for Bismarck du Plessis' red card following a colossal tackle on Dan Carter, ended in a 29-15 defeat for the Springboks. This incident has been a sore point, reignited every time the teams lock horns, especially on New Zealand soil.
The game was dramatically tilted when Du Plessis was first yellow-carded for his hit on Carter, a move that many, including Matfield, still view as one of the greatest tackles in rugby history. "We should have won that day," Matfield reflected on the Rivals podcast, "then they gave Bismarck du Plessis a red card for one of the greatest tackles ever on Dan Carter, and that screwed us a little bit." This sentiment starkly contrasts with Sir John Kirwan's perspective, the ex-All Black winger who thought the tackle deserved a lengthy suspension, jokingly adding, "It was so late, it was nearly half-time."
"It was the best tackle just under the chest, one solid hit. But that’s what happens when you tackle Dan Carter."
Despite the setback, du Plessis returned post-sin-bin to score, narrowing the score to 17-10 at halftime. However, his game ended prematurely in the second half with another yellow turning red for a clash with Liam Messam. The All Blacks seized the momentum, with Kieran Read and Sam Cane extending the lead, securing a victory despite Patrick Lambie's consolation try for the Springboks.
Turning to the upcoming fixture at Eden Park after a 12-year hiatus, Matfield emphasized the significance of the encounter. "It’s going to be a massive Test match," he predicted, pointing out that past lessons and the current form will make for a historic showdown. Kirwan also chimed in, highlighting the All Blacks' recent struggles in key moments of big games. "The maturity of this All Black side is going to be really evident at Eden Park because we’re going to have to win the critical moments," he remarked, foreseeing a tight match likely decided by a mere three points.
As the Springboks gear up to challenge the All Blacks' formidable record at Eden Park, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both teams, fresh from their respective previous games, are set to make this a test match to remember, drawing on their deep-seated rivalry and recent form to potentially rewrite the narrative of encounters at this iconic venue.