South Africa
Victor Matfield will 'find the magic touch quickly'
ESPN Staff
January 14, 2014
Victor Matfield will remain a lineout force, Os Du Randt says © Getty Images
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Os du Randt believes Victor Matfield will return to rugby successfully, the former front-row saying the fact his Rugby World Cup 2007-winning Springboks team-mate has remained involved with the Bulls in a coaching capacity since his retirement "will help him find the magic touch quickly".

Du Randt cited his own example in suggesting that a star retired player could return successfully to top-flight rugby. The prop quit in 2000 after a series of serious knee injuries, but he returned two years later and earned a Test recall in 2004.

"It was a difficult decision to return to Test rugby, I struggled with my self-confidence and I also struggled with fitness because of my history of knee injuries." du Randt told Die Burger. "To play for the Springboks again was an easy decision, but I wasn't sure if I'd make it into the team. The last thing I wanted to do was to let the Boks down."

Du Randt said that Matfield would "still be a major force in the lineouts" but he cautioned the second-row to "be prepared to handle criticism".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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