Victor Matfield, the iconic former Bok lock, has chimed in with some hefty advice, suggesting that RG Snyman should be clocking more minutes on the pitch for the Springboks. Thrust into the fray early during the Rugby Championship clash in Wellington after Lood de Jager's injury, Snyman didn't just fill shoes; he stomped around making sizeable dents. The 30-year-old powerhouse won three lineouts, nailed all his tackles, and bulldozed through for a try that had fans spilling their biltong.
During a chat on the Rugby Rivals podcast, Matfield didn't mince words,
"RG Snyman brings something different – carrying, offloads, physicality. Maybe it’s time he plays a bit longer and not just the last 30 minutes."
It's a statement hard to ignore, especially coming from someone who knows a thing or two about dominating the lock position. Snyman's stats this season speak for themselves: brief yet impactful appearances that scream for more screen time.Matfield also took the opportunity to praise the Springboks' overall muscle-flexing in their 43-10 thumping victory, marking it as a record win. He highlighted the fiery synergy of a new-look backline, with Damian Willemse shining at 12 and Canan Moodie proving his mettle at 13.
"It was an outstanding performance by the Springboks. I thought the second half was one of the best 40 minutes of rugby I’ve seen from a team."
The former skipper was particularly impressed with the set piece and raved about Wilco Louw's impact off the bench, linking him directly to key scoring moments.The lineout might have had a shaky start, but as Ruan Nortje settled in, the Boks' aerial game soared, complete with clean steals and contesting prowess. Jasper Wiese, back in action post-suspension, was another highlight for Matfield, his intense play setting a robust tone for the game.
Looking ahead, Matfield sees coach Rassie Erasmus continuing to shuffle his deck depending on weather and opposition, ensuring the Springboks remain as unpredictable as the Highveld weather. With the tactical nous to adapt the backline to either wet or dry conditions, it's clear the Boks are not just sticking to a static game plan.
As the Springboks gear up for more Rugby Championship action, the buzz around potential line-ups and strategies is palpable, with fans and pundits alike eager to see if Erasmus will take Matfield's advice to heart and unleash Snyman for longer stints on the field.