By Ken Borland
PRETORIA, South Africa May 30 (Reuters) – Former South
Africa captain Victor Matfield believes Fourie du Preez would be
“a great choice” to lead the Springboks in next month’s
three-test series against England.
New national coach Heyneke Meyer seriously considered
bringing lock Matfield out of retirement to lead the Springboks,
but an International Rugby Board ruling that retired players can
not play test rugby within six months of making their comeback
scuppered that idea.
Scrumhalf du Preez, who is playing in Japan for Suntory
Goliath, has been tipped by the South African media as the next
Springbok captain, although it has been reported that
contractual obligations to his club could rule him out of the
first test.
“Fourie would be a great choice as captain, I think he would
do very well. It’s important that the captain knows exactly
how Heyneke wants to play, he will be his voice on the field.
“Plus he’s a fantastic player and everyone has huge respect
for him,” Matfield told Reuters on Wednesday.
Du Preez, who possesses one of the most accurate tactical
kicking boots in world rugby, was an integral part of the Blue
Bulls teams who won four Currie Cups and a Super Rugby title
under Meyer’s coaching between 2000 and 2007. He would fit
seamlessly into the structure-based game plan the new Springbok
coach is known to favour.
“In terms of tactics, there’s nobody better than Fourie and
he is a guy who Heyneke will trust. The kicking game is still
very important in international rugby, but Fourie also gives
flow to the game,” Matfield said.
Continued…
