Matfield: A man on a mission
Victor Matfield admitted to being "nervous" before leading South Africa to a 46-10 win over a World XV at Newlands at the weekend.
His critics were wondering out loud if, at 38 years and 60-odd days of age, he is still international class.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has no doubt that should the veteran lock – who will become the second oldest player to feature in a World Cup should he make it to England in September – is still worthy of the Green and Gold.
"I am very happy for Victor [Matfield]," Meyer told a post-match media briefing at Newlands.
"[It was] one of the best games in a long time I've seen him play.
"At his age, to play like that for 80 minutes, is outstanding.
"I know he is on a mission to help us try and win the World Cup."
Matfield had his own reservations, but was full of praise for his teammates after the seven-tries-to-one demolition of a star-studded World XV.
"I was worried that it was going to catch up on us, as we really worked hard all week," the lock told a media gathering.
"However, the guys really played well and we are all pleased.
"I am very happy to see those guys, who did not play in a while, came through with no problems."
Matfield also spoke of the team's goal to become the first country to win a third World Cup.
"We have a mission and we have bigger things we are aiming at," he said, adding: "There were a few mistakes and we still have a lot to work on, but we'll take this result."
The Springboks departed for Australia on Sunday and face the Wallabies in the opening match of the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday.
Matfield, who will be 38 years and 68 days when he leads the Boks out against the Wallabies, will become the second oldest player to appear in the World Cup if his body holds out for another two months.
On September 19, when South Africa will meet Japan in Brighton, Matfield will be 38 years and 196 days – coming in at second place on the list.
If South Africa make it to the Final on October 31, Matfield will be 38 years and 238 days – still well short of first place.
Oldest player to appear in a World Cup match:
Diego Ormaechea (Uruguay, No.8): 40 years 26 days (he achieved this against South Africa on 15 October 1999)
Mark Cardinal (Canada, hooker): 38 years 146 days
Vyacheslav Grachev (Russia, flank): 38 years 146 days
Mario Ledesma (Argentina, hooker): 38 years 145 days
Mark Williams (United States, flyhalf): 38 years and 98 days
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
