Springbok legend Victor Matfield has made a bold assessment of the current South African side, describing the reigning world champions as the greatest Springbok team the country has ever produced.
The claim comes at a fascinating time for South African rugby, with the Springboks preparing to face their greatest rivals, the All Blacks, in a blockbuster four-Test series.
The opening encounter takes place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, with the rivalry set to continue across four consecutive weekends.
Matfield backs the current generation
Matfield knows exactly what it takes to succeed in a Springbok jersey.
The former lock was part of South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning team and formed a formidable second-row partnership with Bakkies Botha during his international career.
Now watching from the outside as an analyst and podcaster, Matfield believes the current generation has reached a level that surpasses previous Springbok sides.
One of the characteristics he believes separates this team is its remarkable ability to find a way to win, even when performances are not at their best.
That quality was evident in South Africa’s recent 17-10 victory over Argentina. Although the Springboks made mistakes and struggled to reach their best level, they still walked away with the result.
For Matfield, that resilience is a defining characteristic of a championship team.
Springboks chasing more history
The Springboks enter the rivalry with an extraordinary record in recent World Cups.
South Africa have won the last two Rugby World Cups, while New Zealand claimed the two tournaments before that. Between them, the two rugby giants have dominated the global game for decades.
Their rivalry dates back to 1921, with more than 100 Tests played between the nations.
The upcoming series adds another chapter to that history — and could further strengthen the Springboks’ claim to being the world’s leading rugby nation.
A new-look Springbok starting XV
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made several changes from the side that defeated Argentina earlier this month.
Only Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Eben Etzebeth retain starting places from that match.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been handed the No. 10 jersey ahead of Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard, with Erasmus backing the young flyhalf to deliver against New Zealand.
Libbok will provide an attacking option from the bench, while Pollard misses out on the match-day squad.
Meanwhile, Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks in the absence of Siya Kolisi, who has been given additional time to recover from a hamstring injury.
All Blacks also facing selection pressure
New Zealand arrive with a new head coach in Dave Rennie, who took charge earlier this year following Scott Robertson’s departure.
Rennie admits his side is still developing as he attempts to guide the All Blacks back towards the top of world rugby.
The selection process has also been fiercely competitive, particularly in the second row.
Fabian Holland comes into the starting XV, replacing Patrick Tuipulotu.
With both teams undergoing significant tactical and selection developments, the opening Test could provide an early indication of where the two rugby giants currently stand.
The Greatest Rivalry begins
The four-Test series has been billed as the “Greatest Rivalry”, and there is plenty at stake beyond the first result.
The series will be played across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Baltimore, adding an international dimension to one of rugby’s most iconic rivalries.
The opening Test at Ellis Park will set the tone.
For Matfield, however, the current Springboks have already earned a place among — or perhaps above — the greatest teams in South African rugby history.
Now they have another opportunity to prove it.
