Ex-Bok lock Victor Matfield has defended South Africa’s playing style following criticism from former All Blacks wing John Kirwan after the Cape Town Test.
While the world champions relied heavily on their physicality, kicking game and set-piece to secure a series-levelling victory last Saturday, New Zealand again showed their attacking threat, scoring four tries to the Boks’ three.
Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, Kirwan said he enjoyed the expansive approach adopted by the All Blacks under coach Dave Rennie, but was far less enthusiastic about the Boks’ tactics.
“I love the style of play,” said Kirwan. “A lot of South Africans came up to me afterwards going, ‘Yeah, we won, but it’s great to see you guys playing rugby.’
“For 15 minutes in the game, all the Springboks did was kick box kicks.
“Now let’s talk about the philosophy of the game – the beautiful game, which is something that I think we all love. I don’t think South Africa are particularly playing that. I know they had to get the win, but sometimes the way they play frustrates.”
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Matfield immediately pushed back, arguing that the contrasting approaches of the two great rivals are part of what makes their clashes so compelling.
“Why? There are different ways of playing the game. Everyone doesn’t have to play it the way you do.
“In South Africa, we love a big scrum going over guys. I mean, box kick, winning it back – just hear the cheers.
“So can you just keep to your way of playing and we keep what we do, and let your style beat us then? You’re fine. Don’t tell us how to play the game.”
Kirwan replied: “I don’t disagree with it, but it just bores me to tears.”
Matfield shot back: “That’s your problem. We love it.
“When you go 15 phases just across the field, just go left to right, left to right, don’t go anywhere, keep throwing, but nothing happens – doesn’t that bore you?”
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Kirwan conceded that the Boks were highly effective at playing to their traditional strengths, but made no apologies for preferring the All Blacks’ philosophy.
“When we talk about the two DNAs, South Africa play their DNA and they’re awesome at it. We are starting to play our DNA, right? And they’re two different philosophies.
“That doesn’t mean I have to like the philosophy.
“Ours is way more high risk. Ours is way more of a 15-man game. So, two different philosophies, and I want our philosophy to win.”
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Crying Kirwan: Boks bore me to tears appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ex-Bok lock Victor Matfield has defended South Africa’s playing style following criticism from former All Blacks wing John Kirwan after the Cape Town Test.
The post Crying Kirwan: Boks bore me to tears appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
