South Africa
Matfield declares Springboks as World Cup winners
ESPN Staff
February 3, 2014
Victor Matfield is vying to regain the No. 5 Springboks jersey © Getty Images
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Returning South Africa lock Victor Matfield believes the Springboks will win next year's IRB World Cup in England.

Matfield, who retired after the Springboks 2011 World Cup exit at the hands of Australia, in New Zealand, has returned to play for the Bulls in Super Rugby this year.

He wants to regain the Springbok No.5 jersey and is looking to take part in the World Cup.

"I have played in three World Cups and won one," he told the Rapport newspaper. "In my view, the current Bok team is the best one ever and will take the trophy next year. I want to be part of that team. It would be absolutely fantastic to finally walk away from the game in such a triumphant manner and then turn my focus to coaching," he said.

Matfield, 36, said he wants to coach the Springboks in the future with his friend, scrum-half Fourie du Preez. They were both working towards that goal, he said.

"But for now I have to make sure I make the Bulls team. That's the first challenge. After that we'll see if the rest of my plans fall in place. No-one gave me any guarantees," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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