Sport

Matfield injury row

WHITE DENIES BEING FORCED TO DROP star Springbok lock

July 20, 2004 Edition 1

Stephen Nell and Brenden Nel

Christchurch: Victor Matfield, the lock sent home with an injured knee from the Springbok squad last week, is set to play for the Blue Bulls this weekend amid claims that Sarfu put pressure on national coach Jake White to drop him.

"I can confirm that Victor had a meeting with Jake White and, in that meeting, Jake confirmed to him that he was under pressure to drop him because of the legal action that he (Matfield) is taking against Sarfu. Jake also confirmed that he was not taking any notice of it," Matfield's agent, Jason Smith, said.

Matfield is one of three players who are demanding that Sarfu honour promises of contracts made to them by former Bok coach Rudolf Straeuli after last year's Rugby World Cup.

The others are Christo Bezuidenhout and Richard Bands. Bakkies Botha has subsequently withdrawn from the action. White, however, dismissed Smith's statement.

"Sarfu do not put pressure on me to pick anybody. If I thought Victor was good enough, available and that he could add value, I'd be picking him," he said.

Influence

The Bok coach recalled a meeting in Pretoria where he told Matfield that he would be judged on his merits as a player.

Sarfu were not happy about Matfield's action against them but, according to White, there was no pressure to axe him.

"I can even tell you where it was: the A field of Pretoria Boys High. I said: 'The okes (Sarfu) have told me that you are one of the four okes (who are taking legal action).

" 'They are not happy with that, but I want you to know that Gert and I won't judge you on it. But you are not going to influence every player in this team,' " said White. "He said: 'I am thankful for that.' That was it."

The Bok coach said there would not be any serious consequences for Matfield if he played Currie Cup rugby this weekend.

"But what he has said will have serious consequences for his future because he is saying that I said things which I did not say," said White.

Matfield's fitness is sure to fuel the fires of conspiracy about his return, and the player knows all too well there may be more to the story than everyone is letting on.

Speaking frankly in Pretoria yesterday, Matfield said he had heard the rumours that Sarfu were putting pressure for him not to be picked, but would be surprised if that was the reason why he was sent home.

Operation

"I have heard the stories, as has everybody," Matfield said yesterday, "but all I know was that I was injured during the practice and felt okay, but the doctor didn't feel my knee was stable enough and said he believed I needed an operation.

"When I went to see knee specialist Daan du Plessis last Friday, he said my knee was fine and I could play. That's why I'm here today, to play for the Bulls if the coach picks me."

Asked if he believed that the Sarfu dispute - which is due for arbitration at the CCMA on Thursday - was the reason for his return, Matfield was coy.

"I have heard it could be one of the reasons, I don't think so personally and I would hope not.

"I think it's better not to get too involved in this, it's all been blown out of proportion and I'm sure Jason reacted to the stories he has heard.

"Hopefully, Jake and I can come together at some point and talk this out, because there seems to be a major misunderstanding somewhere. This is getting out of hand."

He did confirm that his action was still going ahead against the national body.