Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield believes the Lions are the most likely of South Africa’s four URC teams to upset the touring All Blacks.
New Zealand begin their seven-match tour of South Africa against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday night before also facing the Sharks and Vodacom Bulls ahead of the first Test against the Springboks. They then take on the Lions in a midweek fixture before the second Test.
Matfield believes the Stormers are capable of asking plenty of questions despite missing several Boks.
“They demonstrated at the start of last season’s URC campaign that they can play excellent rugby without their star players,” he said on the Rugby Rivals podcast.
“The Stormers boast a very strong pack of forwards. I think they will aim to put the All Blacks under immense pressure in the scrums.
“They are also the one South African team that boasts a lot of X-factor players. You never know what a player like Warrick Gelant might come up with.
“I think they won’t hold back; they’ll play attacking rugby and see if they can cause an upset against the All Blacks.”
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Matfield, however, expects the tourists to edge the opening clash.
“I’ve said before that it’s going to be very difficult for our four SA teams to beat the All Blacks.”
If one side can do it, though, he believes it is Ivan van Rooyen’s Lions.
“If you look at the Lions’ squad, they are the one URC team that has released the fewest players to the Springboks,” Matfield said.
“That, and the fact that their match against the All Blacks takes place just a few days after the first Test, might give them the best chance of causing an upset.”
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Photo: Gallo Images
The post Big Vic: Lions best bet to beat All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield believes the Lions are the most likely of South Africa’s four URC teams to upset the touring All Blacks.
The post Big Vic: Lions best bet to beat All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
