Victor Matfield: The Springboks star who is the most ‘underrated player in world rugby’ and the powerhouse who is now ‘one of the best’
Springboks squad in a huddle and legendary South African lock Victor Matfield.
Springboks legend Victor Matfield believes that centre Damian de Allende continues to be “underrated” by observers after his stunning performance in their Nations Championship opener.
The 34-year-old has been given a rest this weekend by Rassie Erasmus after being a key part of their 45-21 demolition of England in Johannesburg last Saturday.
De Allende was handed the man of the match award, although it was later revealed that it should have gone to Damian Willemse, but that did not detract from the midfield maestro’s display.
In fact, the two Damians were magnificent and Matfield was quick to praise them both on the Rivals podcast.
‘One of the best games I’ve seen him play’
“I must say again, Rassie somehow gets the best out of these players, even with the changes – our backline looked so good,” he said.
“Damian de Allende at 12, for me he’s just a workhorse and I think he’s probably the most underrated player in world rugby. The go-forward he gives South Africa, the workrate around the park.
“And then Damian Willemse at 15, I thought it was one of the best games I’ve seen him play. Under the high ball, I don’t think he missed one the whole day. He’s got that step and always beats the first guy.
Coincidentally, Willemse has replaced De Allende in the 12 jersey with Erasmus bringing in Aphelele Fassi at full-back for their clash against Scotland.
Fassi is one of 10 changes to the side that defeated England as the Boks once again look build depth in the squad after rotating their team.
Up front, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers and Ruan Nortje remain, albeit the former has shifted from lock to the back-row.
Du Toit and De Villiers are therefore two of the three loose forwards with Evan Roos coming in for Jasper Wiese, who was another to impress against the English.
Jasper Wiese now among ‘the best’
“The other guy from South Africa I think people will need to start looking at as one of the best is Jasper Wiese,” Matfield said.
“Every time he carries he gets metres and he gets South Africans on the front foot and from there a guy like Manie [Libbok] can control the game.”
With all the alterations, it will be interesting to see how the Boks approach their encounter with the Scots.
At fly-half they have brought in Handre Pollard to replace Libbok, the latter seen as a more attacking and creative number 10.
“When you play Manie, you know the style is going to be different. We definitely will play a bit more, he likes to get the ball in his hands, but we still won’t go away from [our strengths],” Matfield added.
“Once we don’t have quick ball, we don’t have momentum, and we have to go to the air. We move 30 or 40 metres up the field, get the ball back and have a go again.”
