TRI-NATIONS New Zealand v South AfricaLOCK VICTOR MATFIELD believes South Africa can re-open old New Zealand wounds by targeting the lineout in the first game of the 2010 Tri Nations tomorrow.
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers, whose side won all three matches against the All Blacks last year, yesterday named an experienced side for the opener at Eden Park with Matfield and Bakkies Botha reforming their imposing locking combination and Stormers giant Andries Bekker having to settle for a place on the bench.
In a surprise move, Jean de Villiers was switched to the right wing, breaking his midfield partnership with centre Jaque Fourie, while Bulls inside-centre Wynand Oliver gets first dibs on the number 12 jersey.
Zane Kirchner held off the battle from rising sevens star Gio Aplon at fullback in a starting side boasting 661 Test caps.
When asked about possible All Blacks weaknesses, Matfield kicked off the mind games by stating in no uncertain terms the lineout would be targeted in a bid to erode the hosts’ self-confidence.
“We work hard on and are very proud of our lineouts. We’ll definitely go into the Test trying to put them under pressure there.
“Hopefully, getting one or two balls early can let them think back about the past few games. It’s going to be important for us,” Matfield said. “If they attack our lineout and miss, then we get our opportunity to have a good drive. Do they want to stop our drive, or go for the (aerial) contest?”
The Springboks have not won at Eden Park since 1937 but that is not a statistic which worries Matfield.
“The history is there to be changed,” Matfield said. “Eden Park is home for the All Blacks. They are at their best there. It will be tough, but we don’t expect anything less.
“We’ve got a lot of belief in ourselves and what we are doing. We trust each other.
“We’ve been building for longer than last year and the things we do in the Super 14 always come through in the Tri-Nations.”
Richie McCaw wins his 84th cap for New Zealand tomorrow as fullback Mils Muliaina and centre Ma’a Nonu, who has played just 70 minutes of club rugby since suffering a knee injury on the final weekend of the Super 14, edge out young guns Israel Dagg and Benson Stanley.
Up front Tom Donnelly continues alongside Brad Thorn in the secondrow while Tony Woodcock holds onto the loosehead prop spot ahead of Ben Franks. Coach Graham Henry, whose starting XV is the most experienced in All Blacks history, boasting 671 caps, said: “The Springboks are the defending Tri-Nations champions and, like us, will be keen to kick off their campaign on a winning note.
“However, our squad has prepared well and the players are excited by the first-up challenge this weekend. It’s going to be a massive kick-off to the competition.”
