Cape Town - A possible comeback from Springbok retirement by Victor Matfield in mid-year may be a popular topic of speculation right now, but public support for a return by the lineout ace seems notably limited.

Sport24 ran a readers’ poll recently in which we posed the question: “In light of Jaque Fourie declaring himself unavailable for the Boks, which of these overseas/retired players would you most like to see back in the mix?”

We offered seven choices, opting to still include the name of seasoned outside centre Fourie despite his recent statement that he was concentrating on his Japanese obligations.

Matfield got only 6% of the vote from a total turnout of well over 5,500, sharing second place with long-time former Bulls team-mate and scrumhalf Fourie du Preez.

The winner by a landslide, no doubt aided by his electric form at the World Cup late last year before his injury, was France-based utility back Francois Steyn - he commanded a huge 71% of favour.

There were also more muted voices of support for Gurthro Steenkamp and Fourie (5% each), Bakkies Botha (4%) and Ruan Pienaar (3%).