South Africa Rugby
Smit: Matfield was greatest ever Bok
ESPNscrum Staff
October 10, 2011
South Africa's Victor Matfield wins lineout ball, Australia v South Africa, Rugby World Cup quarter-final, Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, October 9, 2011
Victor Matfield soars above the Australia lineout in his last appearance for South Africa © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Victor Matfield | John Smit
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: South Africa

South Africa's John Smit has hailed countryman Victor Matfield as the Springboks' greatest ever international as they both bid an emotional farewell to international rugby.

The Springboks pair retired from international rugby following South Africa's defeat to Australia in the quarter-final of the World Cup on Sunday.

Smit, who will continue his career with Saracens in the Aviva Premiership, stepped down as Springboks skipper after seven years in the role with a total of 111 caps to his name. While Matfield, 34, stepped into retirement having played in 110 tests for his country.

"I could sit here for an hour speaking about the value and contribution he has made to South Africa," Smit said of Matfield following South Africa's exit from the World Cup. "Again, colossal in the lineouts, leadership sublime, always making sure the right calls are made, his composure.

"I think the most valuable thing about Victor is how he makes the players around him feel. When he's picked in the side, there's a calmness about him, a composure that he possesses, and hopefully the youngsters will have learned from that and will have taken it forward.

"He's a huge player. In my opinion, the greatest Springbok that's ever been."

Matfield added: "I think I'm going to miss it. I love this game. It has been my life over the last 12 years, so it's going to be tough."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices