Tri-Nations tougher than Lions series, says Boks star Matfield

SOUTH AFRICA vice-captain Victor Matfield has no doubt that the Tri-Nations is the toughest competition in the world, adding that he still gets goosebumps when he faces the New Zealand players performing the haka

The Bulls lock was speaking to reporters in Bloemfontein yesterday ahead of their competition opener against the All Blacks, who kicked off the tournament last week with a 22-16 win over Australia.

Matfield has experienced almost everything there is to experience in rugby, winning a World Cup, Super 14 and Currie Cup titles, while his latest achievement with the Springboks was claiming a much-prized series against the British and Irish Lions.

However, he still feels that the Tri-Nations offers something different and is keen to push for the title this season, starting with victory in Saturday’s Test at Vodacom Park.

“The Lions series was very big for us, especially because it only comes around once every 12 years, but the level of play will certainly lift now that we’re going into the Tri-Nations,” he said.

“New Zealand and Australia are the two top teams, they are the ones you measure yourself against.

“To be number one, they are the teams that you have to beat. So I still believe the Tri-Nations is the toughest competition in rugby.

“Playing the All Blacks is still the ultimate test and to stand in your Springbok jersey facing the haka – it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.”

Matfield knows that it will not be easy, even though the hosts have been installed as favourites to win the competition they last won in 2004.

Matfield continued: “It’s tough to say which way the series will go, particularly after New Zealand beat Australia last weekend.

“It won’t be easy but in my eight years of being with the Springboks I’ve only won one Tri-Nations.”