According to Matfield, the Stormers managed to put up a commendable fight, yet the Sharks presented a noticeably inexperienced team.
"If you look at that Sharks side, they were kids; there were probably three guys who were still at school last year. A really young team with no experience,"Matfield remarked, highlighting the youthful nature of the team.
He further noted that the Bulls showed improvement with the introduction of seasoned players in the latter half.
"The Bulls were a bit better in the second half when guys like Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw came onto the field; you could see the difference the moment there was some experience,"said Matfield.
Kirwan didn't shy away from suggesting that Erasmus might have played a role in how the provincial teams were set up against the All Blacks. "I think it’s a bit more of a conspiracy theory out there. Rassie has told those provincial sides not to play anything like the Springboks," he alleged, indicating a possible strategy to conceal the Springboks' true capabilities before the main Test.
This approach, Kirwan argued, dampens the spirit of the tour and the fan experience. "It’s pretty sad for the relationship and for the tour. I get it, I would do exactly the same if I was Rassie and not release the players. But it is a bit disappointing for the South African public, because they’re not turning up to watch. You turn up to watch a spectacle."
When pressed if he understood Erasmus' rationale, Matfield aligned with the broader strategy focusing on the upcoming Test. "The most important thing is the Test match on Saturday. Whatever Rassie needs to prepare for the Test match is what you need to do," he affirmed, recognizing the tactical aspect of withholding key players.
However, Kirwan was critical of this conservative approach. He suggested that more players from Erasmus’ pool of 44 could have participated in the games, arguing for the benefits of match fitness and exposure, especially when the squad is larger than the 23-player lineup for Test matches.
Kirwan's revelations and opinions spark a larger conversation about the strategic dynamics at play in international rugby, particularly how teams manage player rotations and public expectations in the lead-up to high-stakes matches. As the teams gear up for the weekend, all eyes will be on how these strategies unfold on the field.
