The year that was...

by Morné Nortier in January 2012 - Sports Circle

“Do you know what the favourite part of the game is for me? The opportunity to play.” – Author unknown.

If I could pick a quote to describe two of South Africa’s most successful rugby players, it would be this one. The heartbreaking loss to Australia in the Rugby World Cup quarter final not only saw the Springboks exit the Rugby World Cup, but it was also the end of two rugby legends careers.

Captain John Smit and Vice-captain Victor Matfield walked off the field for the final time as Springboks and while Smit will still enjoy one last hurrah on the rugby fields in England as a Saracens rugby player, they will never again be seen in the green and gold Springboks jumper.

It was not only a sad end to the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup campaign, but a sad end to two gentlemen who has served South African rugby with the utmost pride and dignity in careers that spanned over a decade.

It’s easy to be critical of these two players, who many felt stuck around for 18 months too long. While it might be justified in some way it is also a gross injustice to define two magnificent rugby careers through a single tournament or a rugby game of just 80 minutes.

The duo rose to prominence in 2004 after a disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign the previous year. Under the direction of new coach, Jake White, they won the Tri-Nations for only the second time in the country’s history. Another Tri-Nations trophy would follow in a memorable 2009 season where they also led the Springboks to a series win over the British and Irish Lions and completed a clean sweep of victories over arch-enemies, the All Blacks.

The biggest achievement by far was however lifting the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. During this tournament both John and Victor played an integral role in the Springboks success, they were not only as team players but also leaders.

Of course there were some lows to go with the highs over the past seven years, but this brings me back to the quote I mentioned in the opening line – through the ups and downs these two gentlemen not only loved playing the game, they loved representing their country with immense pride. If they failed, they experienced a greater disappointment than any of the supporters when they let themselves and ultimately their country down.

It is remarkable that John and Victor always remained dignified throughout their careers in what is arguably one of the toughest environments to remain positive. The South African rugby public are not easily pleased supporters, today’s heroes are tomorrow’s villains, but John and Victor managed this not only as rugby players, but as ambassadors for South Africa across the world.

I am reminded of a story; John once shared a room with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw where they prepared for a test they were both invited to as representatives of the Barbarians rugby team.  John received a call from a South African journalist while in the hotel room where they had, had a quick interview. Following the chat McCaw apparently asked John what the call was all about. John explained that it was just a standard South African press interview. Given the context of the conversation and what was asked McCaw could not believe the type of questions John referred to as ‘standard’ interview questions – it sounded more like a political interrogation you would hear in parliament!

But it is exactly those qualities that supporters almost never get to see or experience. These characteristics is what John and Victor should also be remembered for, not just their careers and magnificent achievements as players on the rugby field which includes; representing the Springboks in more than 100 tests and winning every international trophy available to them over the years.

In 2011 things might not have gone the way rugby supporters wanted it to, but we should not forget to salute those who have contributed so much to Springbok rugby over the last decade and to the game of rugby as a whole. Farewell John Smit and Victor Matfield, and thanks for the memories!