Matfield prepares to step up a gear

BULLS lock Victor Matfield made a successful return to rugby after a 27-month hiatus from the game, but he still believes he needs more time to reach his full capabilities.

Matfield, 36, officially came out of retirement on Friday and was immediately drafted into the Bulls team to face the Stormers in a Super Rugby warm-up match in Polokwane on Saturday. The Stormers won 26-19.

The decorated lock only entered the fray in the 49th minute and immediately displayed the lineout skills that made him the most feared lock in the world between 2005-2011.

But it was the first step on a long road to forcing his way back into the Springbok squad.

“I know that I’m nowhere near to test form yet, but knowing that [Bok coach] Heyneke Meyer has opened the door back to the Springboks, even slightly, settled my decision to make a comeback,” Matfield said.

“I’m very nervous about this comeback and I’ve been waking up at night sometimes worrying about it. However, I am confident that I’m doing the right thing.

“I hope that after two or three games I’ll be up to speed.

“I won’t play too many games in a row and we’ll be picky about the matches I do play.”

Matfield admits he has been a target at Bulls training with some players getting their own back on the man who was their forwards’ coach last year.

“I’ve taken a few shots at training. Some of the guys have enjoyed putting the shoulder in now that I’m back on the field as a player,” he said with a laugh.

Matfield has had a busy week with the birth of his third daughter, his first game in 27 months, and the fanfare that has surrounded his comeback.

But he is used to the limelight and is taking it all in his stride, even joking that, with three children, including the new baby at home, going on tour was the only time he would be able to enjoy some peace.

On a serious note, the negotiations around his return to playing cost him some time on the training pitch, which has left him a week or two behind the rest of the squad in terms of preparation.

“That’s all sorted now and I can focus purely on playing,” Matfield said.

“I’m very open-minded and if I prove myself and the Boks pick me, I’m happy to fulfil any role that the coach requires. Obviously, I’m coming back because I want to be the best in the world again.

“I know there are challenges and some excellent players coming through. Flip van der Merwe did an amazing job as No 5 lock last year and Pieter-Steph du Toit is coming through as a test quality lock.”