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Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:50

Springbok lock Victor Matfield believes the Australian line-out will pose a much bigger threat than the All Blacks’, when they face the Wallabies in a Tri-Nations clash at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Bok line-out kingpin indicated that veteran second row forward Nathan Sharpe will be one of the key men in the Wallabies pack and stressed that the Aussies’ lineout is one of the better facets of their game. The All Blacks have struggled in the line-outs during this year’s Tri-Nations and therefore he believes the Wallabies’ set-piece will definitely be more effective on Saturday.

“They’re always a tough challenge,” Matfield told reporters on Thursday.

“Nathan Sharpe is very experienced, and they did well competing against the All Blacks [in Auckland three weeks ago].

“We’ll have to be sharp on our own ball.”

Matfield also said the Boks were not allowed to use the maul effectively last weekend against the All Blacks but he indicated that the Boks will be looking to use their efficent rolling maul at Newlands.

“Hopefully we will be allowed to get our maul going forward on Saturday,” he said.

“I think the All Blacks played into our hands last week [by running virtually every ball], but I don’t think the Wallabies will make the same mistake.

“In Matt Giteau they have a great tactical player,” Matfield said.

Matfield and his Bulls second row partner, Bakkies Botha, will reach a significant milestone for South Africa when they run out for their 50th Test as a lock pairing on Saturday.

Matfield stressed that their compatibility as a second row combination was one of they key factors in allowing them such longevity in the Bok set-up. Botha is seen as the enforcer while Matfield is more of a ball player.

“We know each other’s game, and where the one is weak the other is strong. I think that’s what makes us a good paring,” Matfield said.

Botha played down the remarkable milestone and said they are just focussing on what they do best.

“Saturday is a milestone, but it’s not about us. We just want to go out there and deliver,” said Botha.

“It’s not about setting records, it’s about making a difference to the team and to do what we do best.”

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