Bulls captain Victor Matfield, center, celebrate with teammates after winning the Super 14 rugby match at the Orlando stadium in Soweto, South Africa, Saturday May 29, 2010. Bulls beat Stommers 25-19. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Victor Matfield is a rugby giant, his 200cm (6ft 6) 110kg frame a testament to the fact. His undisputed standing as one of the greatest locks-lineout jumpers of the professional era confirms his stature.
Throw into the mix his superb captaincy skills, and the advantage of a home ground at Loftus with its high altitude and rarified air, and the Waratahs will have their hands full tonight in a Super Rugby clash they must win to keep their play-off hopes alive.
There’s no bigger ask.
To prove Matfield’s worth, the Bulls were very ordinary until he took over the leadership.
Pre-Matfield, in 33 games at home, the Bulls won 10, lost 22, and drew one.
On the Matfield watch at home? 39 wins, nine losses, and one draw, winning the tournament in 2006, 2009, and last year. Point proved.
Charged with the responsibility of keeping Matfield quiet in the lineouts tonight, Waratah locks Kane Douglas and Sitaleki Timani haven’t a Wallaby cap between them, although stand-in skipper-turned-flanker Dean Mumm’s 32 caps will help on the way to off-setting Matfield’s 105.
The big Bok is equal ninth in the list of all-time internationals, behind Wallaby George Gregan (139 caps), England’s Jason Leonard (119), Frenchman Fabien Pelous (118), Irishman Brian O’Driscoll (118), Wallaby George Smith (110), Irishman Ronan O’Gara (110), Irishman John Hayes (106).
Matfield shares 105 with Welshman Stephen Jones.
This is the 34 year-old Matfield’s swansong season, with just two targets: successfully defending the Super crown and the World Cup – the ultimate retirement present.
But one of Matfield’s assets is not getting too far ahead of himself, just living in the present.
He won’t have the services tonight of injured half-back Fourie Du Preez. which is a huge blow. But the Waratahs will welcome back inside-centre Berrick Barnes after yet another bout of concussion, or the new terminology of “footballer’s migraine.”
That’s a major tick for the Waratahs, with playmaker Barnes the perfect link between half Luke Burgess, fly-half Daniel Halangahu, and outside-centre Tom Carter.
Between them, they must run the big Bulls pack all over the park from the get-go to have any chance of winning, and minimise penalties or sharp-shooter Morne Steyn will punish them severely in the rarified air, where 60 metre shots at goals are well within his range.
All of which leaves tonight as another litmus test for the Waratahs.
They have been rightfully under the pump from supporters this season for far too many lethargic displays unbecoming a side bristling with Wallabies.
Even Matfield will be watching more closely than usual as rumours grow stronger by the week he’ll be coaching the Waratahs next season.
Not that the Waratahs need any additional incentive to win. But to pinch the points tonight from literally under Victor Matfield’s nose would be a big bonus against the odds.
MOTHER TERESA
Guest
and non-contested scrums certainly didnt escape the intelligence of most tacticians. hope i dont see those props running up the hotel stairs tonite.!!!!!
Ben S
Roar Guru
Funnily enough I was just thinking that the 1st half was - occasional touches from Beale aside - rather like watching two teams play rugby ensconced in treacle. I'm off to Patrick's now - remember I've mentioned that place before, Pot? Rob Henderson was there a few weeks ago. Amiable guy.
Pothale
Guest
Kurtley Beale is wasted in the Waratahs. Lovely player - his attacking skills are a cut above his team mates. Try to the Tahs and Beale sinks a long penalty to make it 20-17.
Pothale
Guest
And they have. After the Tahs attempt to pound the Bulls line, the Bulls steal in their 22 and a good backline move the length of the pitch sees Basson finish off. 20-6 now and looking grim for NSW.
Pothale
Guest
Is it just me but bar the try before half-time this match is like watching paint dry. Endless kicks upfield to little or no effect and backs running into each other with little or no devil in play. Have the Bulls suddenly woken up with their well taken try which caught the Tahs defence napping?
matthew
Guest
He's not a very good captain... Cant interact with the referee and tends to aggravate decisions against his team. Also, I think David Lord is trolling The Roar with his comments on Victor Matfield potentially coaching the Waratahs.
Moana
Guest
I'd like to see that!
jeznez
Guest
plus he and Mowen are the main Tahs lineout men - Douglas and Timani both carrying 120+ are not as quick through the air on the lift which is particularly important at the front of the lineout. Biggest challenge for the Tahs in the lineout may wind up being throwing, with for genuine jumpers but facing a very good lineout (particularly with the Roussow playing flank) the lineout and defending lineout/mauling drives are going to be one of the key contests in the match. C'mon Tahs - I'm letting my optomistic side out and getting excited. Big challenge but they are all the sweeter if you can overcome them!
Suzy Poison
Guest
Still going to be a tight game, I think. The Bulls have the forwards, but the Tahs have the backs. You might stress out about Dean Mumm and co, but you have Kurtley Beale carving up the Bulls backline, every time he gets the ball. Basson is good, but my mate calls Ndungani, Origami, because when the pressure's on he folds like paper.
SHORE THING
Guest
If NSW is relying on Mumm to counter Matfield then God help us! I doubt he would make an African Super 15 side. Halangaahu at 10, Carter anywhere = LOSE
stuff happens
Guest
I agree with David Lord that this is one of those games where we find out if a team like the 'Tahs are good enough to cut it with the best in Super. The Bulls have found a few more gears having been more or less written off by most for this year. Their front row has become very impressive; Bakkies is back & Pierre Spies is at last showing some form. Daanie Rossouw as mentioned above is a terrific forward - a real rugby warrior - like Brad Thorn. The Bulls also have great wings in Basson & Nudigane ( sorry can't spell it ) - usually under utilised. The there's Morne Steyn! The Bulls are playing now like a team on a mission. We'll see if the 'Tahs can man up for the job. Pack the denco-rub! And good luck to Berrick Barnes.Terrific player but I really worry that he's had too many head knocks this year & I"m not sure that the Bulls at Loftus are the right test?!
sunshine
Guest
I thought that big broom should have started a few years ago with Phil Waugh. His influence on the team and the style they play is all encompassing. Does anyone else find it strange that his 3rd party payments are coming from his father in laws company?
Mike G
Guest
You've just proved my point, LAS. The Reds have Genia, Cooper & Ioane...the Tahs do not For mine, this is a win to the Bulls & I'm just hoping the tahs can get at least 1 bonus pt...Of course, as a fan I want to see them win, but without Waugh, Palu, Kepu, Mitchell & Horne they simply do not have the cattle to both; a) play the running game for 80 min's & b) have the grunt and leadership to take on Botha, Spies & Roussow...
p.Tah
Guest
Please no. Line out consultant, yes but a head coach, no... We'll end up being the 2011 Brumbies...
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
I hope that the 'Tahs playing tonight will be playing for a Wallaby contract. Underperform tonight mate and you're out of contention for the simple reason that if you could not find a way to win then that is not test player quality. And yes it is that simple. Test players are the one's that step up to every challenge including poor coaches, stupid captains, dumb cowardly game plans and all. Excuses such as the conditions and the referees are for children and hack journalists. This is Rugby Union gentlemen, step up or step away from the table. I did try to hold back (no really) but NSW is doing Oz Rugby a massive disservice at the moment and if the NSWRU won't listen to the fans then the ARU should take away the lollies and let the players know they are in Rugby limbo.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
AT, it wasn't that they sacked him, it was both that he was a less experienced coach, he was unable to express himself at the Tahs, and the rules interpretations were different.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
I dont agree. the Reds ran them ragged and won. Its not about the number of tries, its about the width of play and possession. It certainly doesnt include copious kicking! But, it does require commitment at the breakdown to get and keep the ball.
Suzy Poison
Guest
To counter Dean Mum the Bulls have selected Danie Rossouw, normally a lock as a flank. He had a great game aginst the Cheetahs, scored two tries. This game is shaping up as a cracker..The dance of desparados. P Divvy thinks the reason the Bulls are doing better is because, and I quote; "Bakkies was stealing Pierre's ball". In the first four games, Bakkies carried the ball more than any other time in his life, now he has gone back to his primary focus, cleaning out rucks, which leaves Pierre Spies to carry the ball, hence Spies's ball carrying metre stat has improved and the Bulls are breaking the adavantage line again. Spare a though for the poor Waratahs bound in ruck that have Bakkies coming in at them, full tilt. It's this kind of brutal physical game that the Bulls love, and it's simple and effective and very hard to stop once they get momentum. It's won them three Super titles, and I think they are in the zone again. If the Warathas win, then they are serious title contenders, and they will have ended the Bulls storming run home.
Damo
Guest
And Moore Park
Joshy Homes
Guest
Don't put the Bulls in the same sentence as the Waratahs mate. They've actually dominated Super rugby for 3 out of the last 4 years and should be shown a little more respect. I'll never forget the Bulls needing to beat the reds by 70+ points to get into 2nd spot on the table in the last round of 2007. Turns out they ended up winning by 90 or so. Lordy mate, the Bulls won in 2007, not 2006.