Victor Matfield says Jacques Nienaber will be welcomed back into the Springbok set-up with open arms when his time at Leinster comes to an end.
The former Springbok captain says South African rugby still holds the World Cup-winning coach in the highest regard even if he is not valued in Ireland.
“I can tell you South Africa would love to have him involved,” Matfield said in a round table discussion alongside former Leinster captain Isa Nacewa on Tuesday.
“It’s just my opinion and I don’t know what’s happening there [at Leinster], but if they don’t extend his contract [beyond the 2026-27 season], I think he’ll 100% be at the World Cup with the Springboks.”
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Nienaber has faced criticism in Ireland despite guiding Leinster to another URC final and helping maintain their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Matfield added that while the Boks had done very well over the past year or so without Nienaber, “there’s no one with the understanding of that rush defence like Jacques”.
“I really believe we would throw anything to get him back with us.”
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Matfield even joked about finding extra space on the Springbok management team.
“South Africa always seems to find room for quality people,” he said. “If the opportunity is there for us to get Jacques back, we will make it work.”
Photo: @Springboks/X
The post Matfield: Nienaber will be at World Cup appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Victor Matfield says Jacques Nienaber will be welcomed back into the Springbok set-up with open arms when his time at Leinster comes to an end.
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