Veteran second row Matfield will become the Boks’ most-capped player when he makes his 112th appearance in the second Test as Wales look to level the two-match series after defeat in Durban last weekend.
Matfield officially retired from the sport in 2011 having enjoyed a stellar career as one of the most consistent and respected second rows in the global game but he returned to Super Rugby this season and was appointed South Africa’s stand-in skipper after injury to Jean de Villiers.
Critics claimed that the 37-year-old wouldn’t be able to rediscover his past form on the biggest stage of all but he shone against Warren Gatland’s tourists five days ago and Meyer is convinced he is now close to being as good as he ever was.
“Victor has made a huge improvement since his first game back at Super Rugby level and is now the Victor of old again,” said Meyer, who feels that Matfield’s record-breaking achievements will spur on his side on Saturday.
“He was brilliant last week, and this is a great way to honour him. It is all about the team for Victor and not about records but, although the players are always going out to play for the country and not an individual, I believe they will be really motivated to do well for him on Saturday. He has a knack of getting the best out of the team.
“Everyone knows about his lineout work, but what I don’t think a lot of people realise is how important his contribution is when fielding the kick-offs. That was an area where New Zealand were better than us last year but, as we saw this past week, Victor is able to cover a big area in dealing with the kick-offs.
“He puts in a lot of tackles as well, and is just an unbelievable leader who leads by example both on and off the field.”
Meyer has openly admitted that Matfield’s promotion to captain is only a short-term appointment until centre de Villiers is fighting fit again but his position in the team appears far more than just a stop gap in Eben Etzebeth’s absence.
In fact, Meyer reckons the World Cup winner will be an even better player once Wales have headed home and the Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand kicks off in August.
“I think Victor can get better. I think he will get steadily better and I expect that he will reach his peak this year when we play against New Zealand and Australia in the Rugby Championship,” added Meyer.
“He is the type of player who, once he has made the step up to the level he is now, can only get better. And some quality players just shine like diamonds when they are playing in big matches against top opposition.
“I said to Victor that his comeback mustn’t be about records or anything like that. I wanted him to help out by coming off the bench, and now he is playing 80 minutes and is captain.
“I am very proud of what he has achieved and think it is remarkable that he can come back so well after two years in retirement. It is a storybook ending for him, although hopefully it isn’t the end because I expect a lot more from him.”
Â
