Victor Matfield makes huge Springboks claim ahead of All Blacks showdown
- Rassie Erasmus apologises after explosive All Blacks outburst - September 6, 2026
- Rassie Erasmus confirms six Springboks will miss fourth All Blacks Test - September 6, 2026
- Siya Kolisi saves fan in special moment after Springboks beat All Blacks - September 6, 2026
The best.
Victor Matfield has made a huge claim ahead of Saturday’s opening Test against the All Blacks, declaring the current South African side the greatest Springboks team he has ever seen.
Rassie Erasmus’ men head into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry as back-to-back world champions, and the number one ranked side in the world, with expectations high ahead of the four-Test series.
Matfield, who earned 127 caps for South Africa and featured at two World Cups, believes the current side has developed an unmatched ability to find a way to win even when they are not at their best.
“I think this is the greatest Springbok team we’ve ever had,” Matfield told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
“They find a way to win. Even in that game, although they didn’t play their best, there were a lot of mistakes, but they found a way to win that game.
“Even in the last two or three minutes, they were on their try line under pressure. A lot of teams will crumble there because of the pressure, but they stuck to what they did, they defended well, and they won the game.
“I think this is a team that will be confident going into this game.”
Matfield was referencing South Africa’s recent 17-10 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires, when the Springboks survived significant late pressure to secure the win.
The former lock also believes the remarkable depth Erasmus has developed is driving standards within the squad, with even established double World Cup winners unable to take their positions for granted.
“If you don’t perform, there’s someone else that will step into your position. So they need to be at their best every training, every game.”
The All Blacks arrive at Ellis Park having won all three of their provincial fixtures against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls, giving the Springboks plenty of footage to analyse before the series opener.
Matfield doesn’t believe New Zealand’s approach will have caught Erasmus and his coaching staff by surprise.
“They would have watched these three games and know what the All Blacks want to do.
“There might be a few surprises like always, but I think they will be comfortable going into the game.”
South Africa and New Zealand meet at Ellis Park on Saturday in the opening encounter of their historic four-Test series.
