Player Profile: Matfield, Victor

Your Player Profile of Victor Matfield.

Victor Matfield
Height: 2.00m
Weight: 108kg
Born: 11 May 1977
Position: Lock
Franchise: The Bulls
Super Rugby debut: 1999 Cats vs Brumbies
Super Rugby Caps: 109
Springbok number: 705
Test debut: 2001 vs Italy in Port Elizabeth
Test Caps: 101 (Captain in 11 tests)
Honours:
SA Rugby Player of the Year nominee, 2001 , 2005 , 2006 , 2007 & 2009.
SuperSport Try of the Year, 2004 (vs Australia in Durban).
IRB Player of the Year award nominee, 2004.
Most capped Springbok lock – 101
Holds the World Record with Bakkies Botha for most tests as a lock combination in the starting line – up (56)
Arguably the best lock in world rugby for the past number of years. His prowess at the lineouts, in particular, has led to numerous plaudits and acclaim. These accolades have been earned through his consistently strong performances at all levels and due to the hours he dedicates analysing his opponents. This has enabled Matfield to develop a knack for figuring out what the opposition might do. He has formed a devastating locking partnership with Bakkies Botha. He is a strong leader, captaining the Springboks to their historic win over the All Blacks in Dunedin in 2008. Further more Victor has won numerous titles on the international stage, including the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France (he was named the man of the match in the final), 2009 Test Series against the British & Irish Lions, 2004 and 2009 Tri Nations, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Super14.

Q&A with Victor

Your earliest rugby memory?
Captain of the u/7 team and ran away with the team because we lost.

Hero growing up?
Adrian Kuiper

You have an unlimited amount of money, what would you buy?
House in Harold’s Bay

First position played?
No 8

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Champions train when others rest

What other sport did you compete in at school?
Cricket

If you where not a professional rugby player what else would you have like to do as a profession?
Cricket player

Toughest opponent?
Paul O’Connell

Do you have any superstitions before a game?
My cheat day on Fridays before game day

What do you do to relax away from rugby?
Golf and Hunting

Favorite drink?
Cream Soda

What three items would take with you on a desert island?
My wife and two daughters

Tell us something the fans don’t know about you?
I have a 6 handicap in golf

What would you have for your last meal?
Oxtail

Ten question blitz!
1. Cricket / Soccer?
2. Wine / Beer?
3. Summer / Winter?
4. Book / Movies?
5. Wors / Salad?
6. Loftus / Twickenham?
7. All Blacks / England?
8. Beach / Bosveld?
9. Kurt Darren / Celine Dion?
10. Ruck / Lineout?