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Cape Town - Springbok lock Johann Muller has dismissed claims that the Boks went into the game against Wales with an unfit Victor Matfield.
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Muller replaced Matfield early in the second half during the Boks' narrow 17-16 win over Wales in Wellington.
There were doubts about Matfield's availability in the build-up to the Welsh clash after the Bulls captain injured his hamstring in South Africa's last Tri-Nations clash against the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on August 20.
The Beeld newspaper reports that since that day (on 20 August against the All Blacks) Matfield rarely participated in any of the Boks' practice sessions, which suggests that coach Peter de Villiers might have been a bit too hasty in bringing back his lineout ace. Matfield is expected to be out for at least 10 days.
However, Muller has rubbished claims that the Boks played a less-than-100% Matfield.
He told Beeld that Matfield started to participate more during training sessions last week.
"He started training (with the team) by Wednesday and took over (from Muller). He was definitely fit for the Test and that is just one of those things that happen in rugby," said Muller.
With Matfield out, Muller would need to take charge against Fiji on Saturday - a challenge he is relishing after a good 37 minutes against the Welsh on Sunday.
"I'm happy that I came through so well in the game against Wales," said Muller.
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Click to BUY the new Drifta Mobile USB Decoder
Click to BUY the Rugby World Cup 2011 Game for Xbox
Muller replaced Matfield early in the second half during the Boks' narrow 17-16 win over Wales in Wellington.
There were doubts about Matfield's availability in the build-up to the Welsh clash after the Bulls captain injured his hamstring in South Africa's last Tri-Nations clash against the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on August 20.
The Beeld newspaper reports that since that day (on 20 August against the All Blacks) Matfield rarely participated in any of the Boks' practice sessions, which suggests that coach Peter de Villiers might have been a bit too hasty in bringing back his lineout ace. Matfield is expected to be out for at least 10 days.
However, Muller has rubbished claims that the Boks played a less-than-100% Matfield.
He told Beeld that Matfield started to participate more during training sessions last week.
"He started training (with the team) by Wednesday and took over (from Muller). He was definitely fit for the Test and that is just one of those things that happen in rugby," said Muller.
With Matfield out, Muller would need to take charge against Fiji on Saturday - a challenge he is relishing after a good 37 minutes against the Welsh on Sunday.
"I'm happy that I came through so well in the game against Wales," said Muller.
* Click HERE for the latest Rugby World Cup odds on BET.CO.ZA
