Victor Matfield: Boks to show more expansive game on end-of-year tour

Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, the former captain reflected on the approach that helped South Africa bounce back after an opening defeat to New Zealand.

"We really went back to our old DNA in the Rivalry tour where we were really physical, we were direct, we played the pressure game," Matfield said.

"I think we might see on the end-of-year tour a bit more of Tony Brown coming in, more expansive and having a go.

"We still need to grow that part of the game; last year we were almost getting there, and then this year, after that first loss against New Zealand, we just went back to 'if we need to win a game, this is what we're going to do'.

"I think Rassie would like us to play a little bit more on the end-of-year tour and just to grow that side of your game as well."

The Springboks face Italy in Turin on 7 November, France in Paris on 13 November and Ireland in Dublin on 21 November, before the Nations Championship finals weekend in London later that month.

"There are still some combinations that we can get better. There are a few young players who stood out in the Champions Cup again; does he give them opportunities?," he said.

Matfield cautioned against wholesale experimentation, drawing on past experiences ahead of World Cups.

"We have done it a few times in the past before a World Cup where we would send a complete B side over to Australia, New Zealand, and they always got smashed," he said.

"You want these kids coming through who could have a big influence on the World Cup to play with the best players.

"So you only want two or three changes; they get the opportunity to play in that team that understands how to win games, and then they can show what they can do. So I think we'll see that."

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