Rugby World Cup 2011
Matfield: We need to stand up
2011-08-10 12:10
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Victor Matfield (Gallo)
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Durban - Springbok legend Victor Matfield has called on his team mates to “stand up” ahead of their third Tri-Nations match in Durban on Saturday.
Matfield was one of 21 first-choice Boks who were diagnosed with injuries before the start of the Tri- Nations and did not travel Australasia to face the Wallabies and All Blacks.
South Africa suffered two embarrassing losses in the absence of their first choice players and, according to
Stuff.co.nz, Matfield believes the team needs to win this game to restore their pride.
"It's always tough to see a Springbok side lose. It's never nice. Every time you put on the Springbok jersey, you want to win so, like any other test match, there's only one thing for us and that's to give 100 percent and hopefully win the test match," said Matfield.
“We need to stand up as a Springbok side. That's important. We need to win the game. We need to be up on the scoreboard after 80 minutes, so whatever it takes."
The South Africa Rugby Union claimed that the injured Springboks were taking part in a rehabilitation camp, but it has been widely reported that the players were taking part in a training camp under the watchful eye of newly appointed technical advisor Rassie Erasmus.
Most of the first-choice Boks were named in the squad to face Australia on Saturday, including Matfield and long time lock partner Bakkies Botha.
South Africa were expected to announce the match team on Tuesday, but have postponed the naming till Thursday to allow injured forwards Pierre Spies (groin) and Danie Rossouw (gastroenteritis) the opportunity to heal and make the team.