Springbok lineout legend Victor Matfield has thrown his weight behind a massive new contender to shake up the national team selection. Matfield believes towering Northampton Saints lock JJ van der Mescht is perfectly primed to emerge as Rassie Erasmus’ ultimate “surprise package” for the bumper 2026 international test season.
The 145kg powerhouse has experienced a spectacular transformation since trading Top 14 outfit Stade Français for the English Premiership last year. While consistent minutes were hard to find during his four seasons in Paris, his move to the Saints has completely revitalized his form, turning him into one of the most destructive tight-five forwards in Europe.
The Ultimate Impact Weapon to Replace RG Snyman
With dynamic Springbok lock RG Snyman reportedly sidelined for the year due to injury, Matfield sees the former Sharks enforcer as the ideal tactical replacement to inject raw power off the bench.
Van der Mescht’s unique combination of gargantuan size, explosive pace, and modern ball-handling skills already earned him a call-up to Erasmus’ virtual alignment camps earlier this year.
“I saw him play as a youngster and at schoolboy level he was unbelievable. He’s big, but he’s fast and he’s got great skills,” Matfield shared on the Rivals podcast. “He won’t be used a lot in the lineout, but he’ll be the guy carrying hard in midfield… offloading, getting through tackles. I think he might just be the big surprise Rassie brings in this year.”
Blockbuster 2026 Springbok Fixture Schedule
The Springboks face an absolute marathon of elite rugby this year, spanning the Nations Championship, an away trip to South America, and a historic four-match epic against their greatest rivals.
Nations Championship (Home Leg)
- 4 July: Springboks vs England (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
- 11 July: Springboks vs Scotland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
- 18 July: Springboks vs Wales (Kings Park, Durban)
Additional Winter Internationals
- 20 June: Warm-up: Springboks vs Barbarians (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha)
- 8 August: Test Match: Argentina vs Springboks (Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires)
“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” vs the All Blacks
- 22 August: 1st Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
- 29 August: 2nd Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
- 5 September: 3rd Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (FNB Stadium, Johannesburg)
- 12 September: 4th Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA)
Southern Hemisphere Tour & Nations Championship (Away Leg)
- 27 September: Test Match: Wallabies vs Springboks (Optus Stadium, Perth)
- 7 November: Italy vs Springboks (Venue TBC)
- 13 November: France vs Springboks (Stade de France, Paris)
- 21 November: Ireland vs Springboks (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)
