All Blacks: Matfield, Barrett, Power & Bok Questions
- Veteran South African lock and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner,Victor Matfield,has identified the All Blacks as the team to beat in this year's Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.
- "Whoever is going to win this Rugby Championship has to get past New Zealand," Matfield stated, underscoring the All Blacks' pivotal role in the tournament's outcome.
- Matfield expressed his surprise at any previous doubts surrounding Beauden Barrett's capabilities at fly-half, a position the two-time World Rugby player of the year has consistently excelled in.
All Blacks Firm Favourites for Rugby Championship Title,Says Springbok Legend
Published August 19,2025
Matfield Backs New Zealand’s Championship Credentials
Veteran South African lock and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner,Victor Matfield,has identified the All Blacks as the team to beat in this year’s Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship. Speaking on The Rugby Rivals podcast with Sir John Kirwan and Ric Salizzo, Matfield highlighted New Zealand’s ability to secure victories away from home, coupled with the advantage of hosting two crucial Tests against South africa, as key factors in their favour.
“Whoever is going to win this Rugby Championship has to get past New Zealand,” Matfield stated, underscoring the All Blacks’ pivotal role in the tournament’s outcome.
Barrett’s Brilliance at Fly-Half
Matfield expressed his surprise at any previous doubts surrounding Beauden Barrett’s capabilities at fly-half, a position the two-time World Rugby player of the year has consistently excelled in. “He’s an unbelievable 10 and a much better 10 than a 15 [fullback],” Matfield explained. “It’s always better to play against him if he’s not a 10.”
While acknowledging Barrett may not possess the same goal-kicking prowess as the legendary Dan Carter, Matfield praised his current kicking form and, more importantly, the all-around balance he brings to the game. “The balance he brings to a game; when he kicks,when he plays,when he takes the line on,the speed that he’s got… He’s unbelievable.”
Tactical Edge: The All Blacks’ Maul and Attacking Kicks
Matfield drew a stark contrast between the All Blacks’ and Springboks’ performances in their recent Championship openers. New Zealand demonstrated a potent attacking strategy, successfully executing three maul tries against Argentina. In contrast, South Africa failed to score a single maul try in their loss to Australia.
“New Zealand go out and they have got their balance right; when to play, when to kick the ball in behind them. Not defensive kicking, attacking kicking, putting it behind, forcing them to turn around, and then their forward pack using their energy to score tries,” Matfield observed.He emphasized the effectiveness of their approach: “When you get into that 22, go at them, use your maul, go around the corner and be effective.”
Emerging Talent and Forward Pack Depth
Sir John kirwan highlighted the emergence of lock Fabian Holland as a significant find for the All blacks, praising his work rate, tackling, and overall contribution.Matfield concurred, while also acknowledging the notable performance of Tupou Vaa’i in the lock position last year.
Looking ahead, Matfield pondered the impact of Wallace sititi’s return to the side, suggesting a potential reshuffle within the forward pack. “He must get in there somewhere. I don’t no if you will play him at eight, or if he will go to the blindside and Savea go to the openside. It’s a nice problem to have. At this stage, it’s working.”
Contrasting Coaching Philosophies
The discussion also touched upon the differing approaches of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and Springboks’ Rassie Erasmus. Robertson is focused on developing consistent combinations within his preferred starting lineup while concurrently building depth. Erasmus, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner himself, favours a more unpredictable selection policy.
Erasmus’s approach, likened to that of the French national team, keeps opponents guessing. Despite a recent setback, Erasmus has overseen a period of unprecedented success for the Springboks. “This is the best Springbok era we’ve had.we’ve never been so successful. It’s very difficult after one test match to say that whatever they are doing is wrong.”