One of the world’s worst-kept secrets was officially confirmed on Saturday when Victor Matfield came out of retirement to assist a young Bulls side, having played a coaching role with the team until now, but setting his sights on playing for the Boks again, having last represented the national side in the 2011 World Cup.
By Michael Marnewick
Rugby players are gladiators of the modern sporting arena. They smash their opponents at will – it is legalised violence. It is said that “Football is a game for gentlemen played by ruffians and rugby is a game for ruffians played by gentlemen,” but it’s really hard to say when it comes to rugby.
Matfield appeared on the rugby field for the first time when came on for the Bulls in a warm-up match against the Stormers on the weekend. Evidently he was patched up on arm, knee, and elsewhere in the hope of avoiding a career-ending smashing from a wannabe ruffian intent on sorting out, for once and for all, the aspirations of one of South Africa’s most decorated Springboks.
Johan Ackermann, current Lions coach, was also one of those players who just soldiered on and on, a warrior worthy of the respect he commanded and was shown. A powerhouse of intimidation with just a stare, much like Bakkies Botha.
In 2007, he became the oldest Springbok to play for the national side, at the age of 37 and in March 2008, he became the oldest player ever in Super Rugby history at age 37 years, 272 days. His weekly rugby schedule was strictly controlled. He would play on Saturday, miss Monday’s training, appear for rehab on Tuesday, return to training on Thursday as an onlooker, take part in Captain’s Practice on Friday and then play again on Saturday.
Should Victor Matfield’s return be a successful one, he will clearly use Super Rugby as a springboard to represent the Boks at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, when he will be 38 (he is currently 36) and then become the oldest Springbok ever. He clearly has his sights on breaking another record – that of Bok captain John Smit who played one more match (111) for the country.
Interestingly enough, it doesn’t appear as though his return is motivated purely by ego.
“I have always maintained that we have a lack of depth at five lock and believed that Victor could still make a valuable contribution as a player,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer recently in a clear affirmation of Matfield’s return and possible Bok eligibility.
“I’m glad that Victor has decided to put on his boots again and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action. He was not given any guarantees about Springbok selection. If he can show he still has what it takes to be a Springbok, he will be considered, along with every other player who is eligible to play for South Africa.”
“We’ve seen in the past that players can make a successful return to rugby after a lengthy period on the sidelines,” he added.
“Jake White successfully brought back Os du Randt and Bob Skinstad, who both played a vital role when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in 2007. More recently, Schalk Burger and Juan Smith both made a successful return from career-threatening injuries.”
Matfield will face the likes of Jean Deysel and Willem Alberts when the Bulls meet The Sharks in Durban on 15 February for the teams’ Super Rugby opener.
