French honour Bok locks
Cape Town – Springbok locks Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha have been jointly named French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique’s world player of the year.
Botha and Matfield received the award at a function, known as rugby’s Oscars, in Paris last week.
Thirty respected rugby publication’s journalists voted for the award.
“It is usually only given to one player, but in this case it was felt it should be given to them together,” said Vivianne Valette of Midol Events.
Botha and Matfield are considered the world’s leading second-row pairing and have been the driving force behind many Springbok victories.
The award also soothes South African wounds after a difficult tour of the Northern Hemisphere.
Another South African – forgotten Springbok loose forward Joe van Niekerk – was named the French league’s best foreign player. He plays for the French club Toulon.
Botha, who underwent an Achilles operation on Friday, said that the award was a “big honour” and “privilege” for him and Matfield.
“We did not have the good tour that we wanted, but it was a cherry on the cake to get this award,” said Botha.
“It remains a great year and I take the positives from the negatives. We lost two of our three Tests on tour, but it keeps us humble. It just makes us realise that we have hard work ahead. We’re starting from scratch next year. There is no time to live in the past and it does not help we try to ride the wave from this year.”
Botha added that his operation had been “100% successful” and he should be on the playing field in March.
“I’ll welcome the break of three months. It will give me time to spend with my children and family, and I believe I’ll feel three or four years younger when I return.”
