As the Springboks gear up for their opening test of the 2026 season against England this Saturday, the nerves are palpable, even among legends like Victor Matfield. Despite topping the World Rugby rankings and facing an England team that's been struggling recently, there's an air of caution in the South African camp. The match in Johannesburg, part of the inaugural Nations Championship, is expected to be a rigorous test for both teams, particularly in the scrum where both sides have shown formidable strength.
Victor Matfield shared his concerns on the Rivals podcast, highlighting the unpredictability of this encounter. "I’m nervous this weekend, I don’t know why. We’ve had the one Barbarians game, haven’t really been tested," Matfield admitted. His apprehension stems from the high expectations placed on the Springboks, similar to the perennial anticipation surrounding New Zealand's performances. "Our guys come from all over the world, get together. It’s the first game of the season," he added, emphasizing the challenges of harmonizing a team that's scattered globally.
"There is a lot of talk about England having the strongest scrum in world rugby so there’s a nice little challenge for the South African pack,"
Matfield said, not hiding his anticipation for the forward clash. He looks forward to the return of stalwarts like Thomas du Toit and Ox Nche, alongside Malcolm Marx, to bolster the Springbok scrum.Rassie Erasmus, the Springbok coach, has been straightforward about his ambitions for the game: "We just want to win, he doesn’t care about bonus-points," Matfield relayed, hinting at a possibly pragmatic approach to the game. Questions remain about whether the Springboks will display a new style or revert to their traditional strengths.
The spotlight is also on Henry Pollock, a player who has been both lauded and criticized in equal measure. "Rassie has been very complimentary of Pollock but I think the players want to get stuck into that guy," Matfield noted, highlighting the internal and external expectations surrounding the young player. Sir John Kirwan, an All Blacks legend, also weighed in, appreciating Pollock's flair and impact on the game. "I just love that he’s a superstar, doesn’t give a s*** and annoys people, it’s what we need in our game," Kirwan expressed.
This weekend's match is more than just a game; it's a narrative of expectations, strategy, and individual brilliance, set against the backdrop of rugby's rich history and its evolving future. As these two titan teams clash, the rugby world watches with bated breath, eager to see how this chapter of the sport's story unfolds.