Victor Matfield, on a recent episode of the Rivals podcast with former All Black John Kirwan, spilled the beans on the Springboks' game plan for the Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies at Ellis Park. The Boks, undercoach Rassie Erasmus, are set to turn up the heat with a speedy game, signaled by the selection of Manie Libbok as flyhalf. Meanwhile, the Wallabies, fresh off a three-Test tussle with the British & Irish Lions, are expected to be both battle-hardened and weary.
Erasmus brushed off concerns about his team's readiness, citing a robust build-up since their last match on July 19 against Georgia. Matfield, analyzing the strategies, hinted at a fast-paced onslaught from the Boks. "If I could choose between the two routes – being game-hardened after a Lions series or in the Boks’ position – I’d probably still prefer the Aussie route," he admitted. However, he quickly noted the challenges the Wallabies face, including recovery from their recent series, lengthy travel, and the notorious Johannesburg altitude.
"I want to see guys like Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou, who bring the physicality, keep up with the pace. I don’t think South Africa will try to slow the game down – they’ll lift the tempo and see if the Aussies can stay with them after all that travel."
Kirwan echoed sentiments about the testing conditions but dismissed fatigue as an excuse. "People are talking about whether Australia will be tired or match-hardened. For me, the best team will win. I don’t think fatigue will be a factor – it’ll just be two sides going at each other. That’s what Test rugby is about," he explained. He commended Australia's resurgence in physicality during the Lions series but questioned whether they could carry that momentum into the highveld.
He also highlighted a potential advantage for the Springboks, emphasizing their clear rugby identity. "Sometimes there’s no confusion about your identity – that’s the Springboks. Everyone knows what South African rugby stands for, and they do it from minute one. Australia, right now, are still figuring out exactly what their identity is. That’s the difference," Kirwan concluded, outlining the mental edge that could tilt the scales in favor of Erasmus' men. As the teams gear up for the clash, all eyes will be on how these dynamics play out on the field, making for an electrifying start to the championship.