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Cape Town - Springbok lock Victor Matfield has received support for his comeback from World Cup-winning former team-mate, Os du Randt.
Speaking to Die Burger's website, Du Randt cited himself as an example that a retired rugby player who had been out of the game could successfully make a return to top-flight rugby.
"The fact that Matfield has been involved with rugby since his retirement will help him find the magic touch quickly." the former front-rower said.
Du Randt had announced his retirement for the first time in 2000 after a series of serious knee injuries, but two years later former Free State coach Peet Kleynhans convinced him to make a return to rugby.
In 2004, Du Randt earned a recall to Jake White's Springbok team.
"It was a difficult decision to return to Test rugby, I struggled with my self-confidence and I also struggled with fitness because of my history of knee injuries." Os said.
"To play for the Springboks again was an easy decision, but I wasn't sure if I'd make it into the team. The last thing I wanted to do was to let the Boks down."
In 2007, Du Randt won his second World Cup when the Springboks beat England in the final in France, and Matfield was one of the team-mates on the field with him on that day.
But Du Randt cautioned that Matfield faced an uphill battle.
"I think he must believe in himself and be prepared to handle criticism. He must also be physically fit and strong. I believe he will still be a major force in the lineouts," Du Randt said.
Speaking to Die Burger's website, Du Randt cited himself as an example that a retired rugby player who had been out of the game could successfully make a return to top-flight rugby.
"The fact that Matfield has been involved with rugby since his retirement will help him find the magic touch quickly." the former front-rower said.
Du Randt had announced his retirement for the first time in 2000 after a series of serious knee injuries, but two years later former Free State coach Peet Kleynhans convinced him to make a return to rugby.
In 2004, Du Randt earned a recall to Jake White's Springbok team.
"It was a difficult decision to return to Test rugby, I struggled with my self-confidence and I also struggled with fitness because of my history of knee injuries." Os said.
"To play for the Springboks again was an easy decision, but I wasn't sure if I'd make it into the team. The last thing I wanted to do was to let the Boks down."
In 2007, Du Randt won his second World Cup when the Springboks beat England in the final in France, and Matfield was one of the team-mates on the field with him on that day.
But Du Randt cautioned that Matfield faced an uphill battle.
"I think he must believe in himself and be prepared to handle criticism. He must also be physically fit and strong. I believe he will still be a major force in the lineouts," Du Randt said.
