Rugby World Cup 2027: Victor Matfield believes France, not England, will be the biggest threat to South Africaโs hopes of winning a historic third straight Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027. His comments come at a time when England have enjoyed a strong resurgence over the past couple of seasons.
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Many observers now rate them as the best team in Europe and possibly the second-best side in the world behind the Springboks. Their improved performances, growing confidence, and consistency under pressure have earned them widespread praise.
But Matfield is not entirely convinced. Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, the former Springbok lock made it clear that, in his view. France remains the most dangerous challenger to South Africaโs crown.
France will be South Africaโs biggest opposition to win it for a third consecutive time, he said. In the previous World Cup, everyone thought so because it was at home and it was really close in the quarter-final.
That dramatic 2023 quarter-final clash between the Springboks and Les Bleus lived up to expectations. South Africa is edging towards a tense and high-quality encounter. For Matfield, that match confirmed just how serious a contender France are, and he believes they have only grown stronger since then.
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One of the key reasons for his confidence in France is the depth and continued evolution of their squad. While many teams rely on a settled core of players, France seems to constantly produce new talent capable of performing at the highest level.
I think theyโve still got a young team and theyโre still bringing new players in all the time, Matfield explained. You think theyโre set on certain players, then new guys come in, and theyโre just outstanding.
That steady stream of emerging stars makes France particularly dangerous. Even when injuries strike or form dips, they appear to have ready-made replacements who can step in without weakening the side. It is a sign not only of talent but also of a strong domestic structure.
Matfield also pointed to the dominance of French clubs in European rugby as further evidence of the countryโs strength. He highlighted Bordeaux and Toulouse as the standout teams currently setting the standard.
If you look at European rugby at the moment, Bordeaux and Toulouse are probably the two teams dominating that, he said. If you put those players together, the flair that theyโve got, the physicality up front. That combination of creativity and power is what makes France such a complete team.
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Their backs are capable of producing moments of brilliance. While their forwards provide the muscle and intensity required to compete with a side as physically imposing as South Africa. In knockout rugby, where fine margins often decide matches, having both flair and forward dominance is crucial.
Looking ahead to 2027, Matfield also has a clear opinion on who should control matters at fly-half for Les Bleus. While Romain Ntamack has long been seen as Franceโs first-choice playmaker, Matfield believes Mathieu Jalibert offers even more.
Iโm a big fan of Mathieu Jalibert, he said. I just think heโs outstanding for Bordeaux, for France, and for a long time, I think they tried to keep him out of the side to keep that spot for Romain Ntamack. But I just think heโs so much better, and heโll bring so much more to that French team.
Jalibertโs attacking instincts, vision, and ability to unlock defenses make him, in Matfieldโs eyes. The ideal conductor for Franceโs dynamic backline. With a powerful pack in front of him and explosive runners outside him.
He could elevate an already formidable team to another level. South Africa chases an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title. Matfieldโs warning is clear: England may be improving, but France remains the biggest obstacle standing in the Springboksโ way.
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