Victor Matfield Tips France As Springboks’ Biggest Threat At 2027 Rugby World Cup

The road to 2027 may still feel long, but in South Africa, World Cup talk never really stops.

And when Victor Matfield speaks, Bok fans tend to listen.

The former Springbok lock has made it clear who he believes stands between South Africa and an unprecedented third consecutive Rugby World Cup crown. Not England. Not Ireland. Not New Zealand.

France.

Why France Still Loom Large

Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, Matfield didn’t hesitate when asked who poses the biggest danger to the reigning world champions. For him, France national rugby union team remain the ultimate obstacle.

It is not a random call.

South African supporters will remember just how tight things were in Paris in 2023. The quarter-final between the Boks and France had the tension of a final. It could easily have gone the other way. The margins were razor thin. The atmosphere was electric. And France were not far off.

That memory still lingers.

Matfield believes the French side that pushed the Springboks to the edge has only grown stronger. He points to their youth profile and the steady stream of fresh talent entering the system. France are not standing still. They are evolving.

In his view, that depth makes them more dangerous than ever.

England’s Rise Does Not Change The Equation

There has been plenty of talk about England’s resurgence over the past two seasons. Many pundits now rank them among the best in Europe again. Some even see them as the second-best team in the world behind the Springboks.

Matfield is not convinced.

While England have improved, he believes France still possess a higher ceiling. It is not just about results. It is about the blend of power and flair.

Look at European club rugby right now. Teams like Union Bordeaux Begles and Stade Toulousain are dominating competitions. Combine the physicality of their forwards with the creativity of their backs, and you begin to see why France remain so feared.

It is a style that mirrors what the Springboks respect most. Power up front. Skill out wide. And players who can change a match in a single moment.

The Flyhalf Debate France Cannot Ignore

One position could shape France’s 2027 destiny more than any other.

Flyhalf.

Matfield has a clear preference. He is a strong admirer of Mathieu Jalibert, describing him as outstanding at both club and international level.

For years, France have also placed their faith in Romain Ntamack. The competition between the two has been one of the most fascinating selection debates in world rugby.

Matfield believes Jalibert offers something extra. More spark. More unpredictability. More impact.

In tournament rugby, that difference can be everything.

A Historic Opportunity For The Springboks

South Africa are chasing history. Three Rugby World Cups in a row would place this era of Springboks in a category of its own.

That kind of ambition invites pressure.

By identifying France as the biggest hurdle, Matfield is not underestimating anyone else. Instead, he is acknowledging the reality of modern rugby. France are young. They are fearless. And they are stacked with world-class talent developed through one of the strongest domestic competitions on the planet.

For South African fans, the message is simple. If the Springboks are to lift the trophy again in 2027, chances are they will have to go through France.

And if recent history is anything to go by, it will not be comfortable.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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