Matfield expects Italy to keep things tight
The Springboks lock expects Italy to keep the game in close quarters, focusing on scrummaging and kicking.
“They have a strong scrum and we expect them to keep the ball close and try to force penalties,” said Matfield, who will captain the side for the first time since 2008.
“I worked with (Italy coach) Nick (Mallett) with the Barbarians and expect him to use a kicking game and look to put pressure on our back three with up-and-unders.”
The world champions claimed a 42-17 win over RBS 6 Nations winners France last weekend and Matfield said they have spent the week trying to improve on the display.
“We have focused on a lot of technical things this week,” he added.
“We have taken the approach of improving a lot of things by a few percent rather than one thing by 100%.”
While Peter de Villiers’ side seem intent on inflicting a heavy defeat on Italy, there is one blessing for the Azzurri – the absence of Springboks flanker Schalk Burger.
The Stormers back-rower suffered an ankle strain during last week’s win over Les Bleus and has been undergoing treatment all week.The 27-year-old will be replaced by Francois Louw.
Opposing Louw in the Italy back row for the first time since last November’s 32-10 win for South Africa over the Azzurri in Udine will be Sergio Parisse.
The Stade Francais number eight has had a knee injury which forced him out of the Six Nations and will be a welcome boost to the Italy pack.
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