Matfield tells Kirwan: ‘Don’t tell us how to play the game’ after Springboks criticism

Former South Africa captain Victor Matfield has hit back at All Blacks great John Kirwan after the New Zealand winger criticised the Springboks’ style of play during the Greatest Rivalry Series.

Kirwan said he admired New Zealand’s approach with ball in hand and claimed South Africa’s reliance on kicking was frustrating to watch. Matfield defended the Springboks, arguing that rugby does not have to be played in one particular way for a team to be successful.

The exchange took place on the Rugby Rivals podcast, following South Africa’s 33-26 victory over New Zealand in the second Test in Cape Town.

Kirwan said the All Blacks had earned praise from South African supporters despite losing the match.

“I love the style of play [of the All Blacks],” Kirwan said when discussing the Test with Matfield.

“A lot of South Africans came up to me afterwards going, ‘Yeah, we won, but it’s great to see you guys playing rugby.’”

He then questioned whether the Springboks were offering the same level of entertainment, focusing particularly on their use of box kicks.

“For 15 minutes in the game, all the Springboks did was kick box kicks,” he said.

Kirwan acknowledged that South Africa had been focused on securing victory, but said their approach did not reflect the attacking philosophy he associated with rugby.

“Now let’s talk about the philosophy of the game, the beautiful game, which is something that I think we all love.

“I don’t think South Africa are particularly playing that. I know they had to get the win, but sometimes the way they play frustrates.”

Matfield responded by insisting that different teams should be allowed to use different methods, rather than being expected to follow New Zealand’s preferred style.

“Why? There are different ways of playing the game. Everyone doesn’t have to play it the way you do.

“In South Africa, we love a big scrum going over guys. I mean, box kick, winning it back, just hear the cheers [of the crowd].”

The former Springbok lock then challenged Kirwan to allow the two teams’ respective approaches to be judged on the field.

“So can you just keep to your way of playing and we keep what we do, and let your style beat us then? You’re fine. Don’t tell us how to play the game,” Matfield retorted.

Kirwan maintained his criticism, making clear that his objection was about entertainment rather than the effectiveness of South Africa’s tactics.

“I don’t disagree with it, but it just bores me to tears,” Kirwan replied.

The argument comes with the Greatest Rivalry Series level at 1-1. Neither team is expected to abandon its established approach before the decisive third Test at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa’s power-based game, built around set-piece strength, territorial kicking and pressure, will again be tested against New Zealand’s preference for keeping the ball in play and attacking with greater freedom.

The series victory will ultimately go to the side whose style proves more effective in the final match, rather than the one that wins the debate over how rugby should be played.