Victor Matfield expects the Vodacom Bulls to face a hostile atmosphere at Croke Park when they take on Leinster in Friday night’s URC final.
The former Bulls and Springbok lock only played at the iconic Dublin venue once – against Ireland in 2009 – but the memories remain vivid.
“It just feels to me like Croke Park brings that tribalism out of the locals,” he said. “It feels like you go into the den there.”
Matfield recalled a difficult encounter 17 years ago.
“We went over after a very successful year with the Springboks, where we beat the British & Irish Lions and beat New Zealand three times.
“Then we went to Croke Park and got absolutely smashed [15-10].
“I remember we arrived there, the mist was hanging, you couldn’t see the ball when it was kicked up in the air. It was really cold and the fans felt louder than ever before.”
Despite the result, Matfield remembers the occasion fondly.
“It was a great experience to go there and I think it’s going to be an amazing Friday night – two teams going at each other.
“It’s going to feel very tribal and the Bulls will need to go into the lion’s den and try to slay the lion. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be a great experience.”
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Matfield said it was a pity he only got to play at Croke Park once.
“It would have been nice to get a victory there as well at some stage.”
Former Leinster captain Isa Nacewa, meanwhile, experienced Croke Park from the home change room.
“It’s a phenomenal stadium and a very special place in Irish sport,” he said.
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Nacewa recalled a memorable derby against Munster.
“During the warm-up all you could see was a sea of red. Then the Leinster supporters arrived and the place turned into a cauldron.
“The noise, the history and the occasion all combine to create something special.”
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Photo: Seb Daly/Gallo Images
The post Matfield: Bulls going back into lion’s den appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Victor Matfield expects the Vodacom Bulls to face a hostile atmosphere at Croke Park when they take on Leinster in Friday night’s URC final.
The post Matfield: Bulls going back into lion’s den appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
