Matfield handed captain's armband

Victor Matfield will lead South Africa against Italy in the one-off Test at Newlands on Saturday.

Victor Matfield will lead South Africa against Italy in the one-off Test at Newlands on Saturday.

Bok coach Peter de Villiers confirmed Matfield's appointment in the absence of regular captain John Smit, who returns to Clermont in France this week for the Top 14 semi-finals.

“Victor is a rugby genius,” said De Villiers, “but more than that he understands people.

“He has shown outstanding leadership qualities since joining the squad, and he made this decision very easy for me.”

Matfield has also been appointed as the official season vice-captain, and will lead the Boks whenever Smit is not on the field.

“It's a tremendous honour for me to captain my country and I'm grateful to Peter for the opportunity,” said Matfield.

“It wasn't something I thought about or expected, but I'm very happy to take on the responsibility in John's absence.”

Matfield has captained the Boks previously, becoming the 52nd Bok captain against the All Blacks in Durban last year.