Share

Matfield: Kings Park not best venue to face NZ

Cape Town - Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield does not believe Kings Park in Durban is the best venue for the Springboks to host the All Blacks.

The two rivals will square off there on Saturday when the visitors will look to equal the record for the most consecutive Test wins by a major rugby nation.

Of tier-one Test nations, New Zealand and South Africa currently share the record for most consecutive Tests wins with 17.

Five of the All Blacks' past six Tests in South Africa have been played at altitude in Johannesburg and Soweto.

Matfield, who played 127 Tests for the Boks between 2001 and 2015, believes playing on the Highveld does boost South Africa’s chances.

"I don't think Durban is the best venue to play the All Blacks," Matfield was quoted as saying on New Zealand website, Stuff.co.nz.

"I always prefer Jo'burg or Pretoria. Durban is an interesting crowd - if it's not going well they let you know. It's not the easiest crowd for the home team."

The last time the teams met at Kings Park was in 2009 when the Boks won 31-19. That year, Peter de Villiers’ men beat the All Blacks three times.

Tests between the Springboks and All Blacks at Kings Park:

1976: SA 16-7 NZ
1996: SA 19-23 NZ
1998: SA 24-23 NZ
2002: SA 23-30 NZ
2007: SA 21-26 NZ
2009: SA 31-19 NZ

*Note: Two Tests were played at Kingsmead in Durban. In 1928 South Africa won 17-0 and in 1949 they emerged victorious 9-3.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE