Matfield wary of ‘physical’ French

SOUTH AFRICA vice-captain Victor Matfield has warned his side that the battle of the breakdown will be crucial when they host France in Cape Town today (1pm Irish time).

The Springboks host the Six Nations champions at Newlands on the back of their 34-31 win against Wales in Cardiff last weekend, and Bulls second row Matfield is expecting another stern examination.

“This is a very big game,” he said. “The French are up there with the leading teams in the world and while we’ve not been very successful against them of late, it’s nice to play them in South Africa for a change. Our preparation has been good and we’re looking forward to the Test.

“Everyone always talks about the French flair, but they are also a very physical side. Their basics are very good and they are good at the breakdown – we’ll have to be at the top of our game and compete there.”

The game comes just a day after the start of the football World Cup, but Matfield is sure the event will not distract Peter de Villiers’ side.

“Having soccer fever in the city is not distracting at all – it’s a great event for our country and the atmosphere with all the vuvuzelas is superb,” said the 33-year-old. “But we are focused, have done the hard work and we just want to play now.”

Les Bleus’ coach Marc Lievremont admits it will be a tough ask for his side to claim victory at the end of a long season.

“It is a very important game for us, especially at this part of the season when the players are not so fresh,” he said. “It is always a big challenge playing a team from the southern hemisphere in June.

“The Springboks beat Wales on lineouts and it will be a very difficult battle stopping the Springboks setting up mauls from the lineouts.”

Meanwhile, Andy Robinson is sure Alastair Kellock will not let him down when he captains Scotland in today’s first Test against Argentina in Tucuman (7.45pm Irish time).

The Glasgow Warriors lock leads his country in the absence of the injured Chris Cusiter.

Robinson said: “He (Kellock) captained Glasgow Warriors very well, he is a very good speaker and has a clear understanding of the play as well.

“He can give the team a clear direction. I’ve been very happy with the team’s preparation this week.”

Argentina will have Felipe Contepomi in their side for the first time in over a year after he missed all their Tests in 2009 due to a serious knee injury.