Matfield backing Carter and McCaw

 

Although there have been some question marks over whether the two All Black legends are beyond their best, the 38-year-old Springbok lock believes that their experience will be vital if New Zealand are to retain their title.

 

All three players featured in the 2003 World Cup, and look to end their international careers on a high at the global showpiece in England later this year.

 

Although there may be some younger players impressing in their respective positions in Super Rugby this year, Matfield said that he would rather face an All Black side without Carter and McCaw.

 

"A lot of the time there's young guys who might look better in Super Rugby, but the moment you get to pressure situations in games where you can't make mistakes, then you want those old heads," Matfield told stuff.co.nz.

 

"I would much rather play against a team where Dan and Richie aren't in there. The moment Richie is in an All Black team, it makes a big difference.

 

"You need the old heads that have been there before to help the guys through but you also need that excitement of the youngsters. In every World Cup there's a young kid coming through that can do something special. In 2007 a guy like Frans Steyn at 20 years old, he was just amazing," he added.

 

Matfield is confident that the Springboks have the right blend of youth and experience at their disposal, and pointed to halfbacks Handre Pollard and Fourie du Preez as a good example which gives some valuable versatility as well.

 

"If you go with a guy like Handre at 10, you must give  him the freedom to play what he sees. Two years ago the Boks scored the most tries per game; last year we were second to New Zealand.

 

"If you bring a guy like Fourie du Preez back into the mix as well, I think you'll see some great rugby. Some games we'll kick more; others we'll have a go with ball in hand," he said.

 

The veteran of three previous World Cup campaigns said that the competition between international sides is as fierce as he has ever known it to be, but is still confident that the Springboks can take the title back.

 

"I must say it's going to be the best World Cup we've seen because there's probably seven teams that can win it. I know a lot of people will throw France out but the moment you get to a World Cup, they are there. It's going to be a wide-open tournament.

 

"At the moment it's a pity there's not one South African side right there in Super Rugby. We're all about mid-table. The New Zealand sides are looking very good, but the moment the Springboks get together it's completely different. If you put the best 15 guys together it will be something else.

 

"We really expected in 2011 to win it and we'll probably go into this World Cup believing the same," he added.