South Africa Rugby
Matfield to lead Springboks
ESPNscrum Staff
October 22, 2010
Springbok centurions Victor Matfield and John Smit, South Africa v Australia, Tri-Nations, Loftus Versfeld, South Africa, August 28, 2010
Victor Matfield will take over the Springbok captaincy in John Smit's absence this November © Getty Images
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Victor Matfield will lead South Africa on their Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland in November.

The 101-cap lock takes the armband from John Smit, who sits out the tour after undergoing surgery in order ensure his readiness for the Rugby World Cup. Matfield has skippered the Springboks before on 11 occasions and will be the first visiting international captain to lead his team out at the new Aviva Stadium in Dublin as his side kick off against Ireland on November 6.

They follow that clash with visits to Cardiff to face Wales, Edinburgh to take on Scotland and a Twickenham date with England. It is set to be a gruelling tour, but coach Peter De Villiers has no fears about his choice of skipper, although he hinted the lock would not play in every match.

"With John Smit being injured and unavailable for such a challenging and important tour we obviously needed Victor's leadership qualities," De Villiers said. "He has filled the role in the past with distinction and has led the Bulls and Blue Bulls to a string of titles and has been Springbok vice-captain for a number of years. We're aware of his workload this season and we'll manage him accordingly."

Juan Smith will be vice captain for the tour which includes a clash with the Barbarians in December. The world champions began their training for the tour on Friday without six players who are involved in next weekend's Currie Cup final between Western Province and the Sharks, while Danie Roussouw took no part in the session as a precaution.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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