South Africa’s number one lineout factor, Victor Matfield, will in all likelihood be restored to the Springbok team on Tuesday when coach Jake White names his team for Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park.
Matfield, who was sent home from Australia during the Bok’s away leg of the competition because of injury, and then apparently upset the management of the Blue Bulls, appears to have put his issues aside and is again back in favour with White.
The towering lock’s inclusion would massively boost the Bok team that surprisingly struggled in the lineout in Australasia.
”We’ve spent a lot of time on the lineouts and we know we’ll have to be focused in that area come Saturday,” said Bok assistant coach Gert Smal on Monday.
”We know we’ll have to vary our calls a lot more than has been the case up to now and we’ll need to be a lot more composed.”
The Boks had only one training session on Monday, spending the morning working out in the gym. ”It’s been a very busy few weeks for the players so we decided managing their time on their feet was important just a few days ahead of an important Test match,” said Smal, who added the Boks would definitely benefit having Matfield in the fray.
”He’s a very talented player and there’s no doubt he’s one of the best in the world.”
Backline coach Allister Coetzee said he doubted the All Blacks, who lost to Australia on Saturday, would make too many changes to their team.
”Graham Henry won’t change for the sake of change,” said Coetzee, ”but he might look to ensure his side gets more go-forward ball”.
Injuries have hit the All Blacks hard with backs Sam Tuitupou, Daniel Carter and Doug Howlett all nursing injuries of varying degrees.
”Those guys may be struggling a bit, but New Zealand have a lot of depth and I’m sure the players who do come into the team will be very keen to show what they can do.”
Henry will have to make a call on whether to gamble with the dynamic, but unreliable Carlos Spencer again or go back to the trusted experience of Andrew Mehrtens for the Ellis Park showdown.
Spencer certainly asks more questions on attack, but Mehrtens’ educated boot could be the deciding factor.
Coetzee said it didn’t really matter who Henry selected.
”Defence always starts at the first phase so if Mehrtens is selected then we’ll play it as we see it.
”It’s about reading the situation, not the player and then the guys can decide whether they’ll defend inwards or outwards.”
Both teams will be named on Tuesday. – Sapa