Boks aren't that old - Bakkies

Wellington - According to Die Burger’s Stephen Nell, emotions will be put on the back-burner for rugby’s most experienced lock pairing, Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield as they head into the twilight of their careers.

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“I don’t think it’s emotional. We know that this is our last Rugby World Cup and we are simply doing what is best for the team - Victor in the lineouts, while I sort out the physical aspect,” Botha told Die Burger on Sunday.

“We are not viewing this as our final World Cup or our final matches. We will approach the match (against Wales this Sunday) as if it is our first.”

Botha is in his last season with the Boks before he joins French club side, Toulon in France while Matfield will retire after the tournament.

Botha dismissed the notion that the experienced South African team are too old to successfully defend their title.

“England won the World Cup in 2003 with team which had average age older than ours.

“We know that we have an experienced team and the guys will still give it their all.

“Age is not a factor. The most important thing is that you are eager to make a difference for your country.”  

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