Matfield to use Bulls' recipe for Boks
Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:01
Victor Matfield will use his Bulls recipe for success when he leads the Springboks against Italy in the first of two Test in Witbank on Saturday.
Matfield, who will lead his country for the 11th time in an international, said it is a "great honour" to wear the Bok captaincy armband.
The Bulls captain, who had achieved many notable successes at the helm at provincial and Super 14 level, leads the team in the absence of John Smit - who has a hamstring strain.
"It is very special to lead your country," Matfield said.
"I don't intend to do much different than what I do for the Bulls.
"I may be the guy leading the team out, but there is a group of senior players who are there to assist and ensure that we do what we have to do.
"I work very closely with John too so it will be an easy transition for me to lead in the team in the Test."
Matfield last started a Test as captain during the 2008 Tri-Nations, a spell that included the historic 30-28 win over the All Blacks in Dunedin.
The 33-year-old veteran, who ironically made his Bok debut against Italy on 2001, will play in his 95th Test - joining Smit in second place on the all-time list, as they race each other to become the second South African to reach the century mark on the international stage.
Percy Montgomery's 102 is the current Bok record for Tests.
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