Victor Matfield argues that the All Blacks' run against the Stormers was more useful to New Zealand than a typical warm-up — specifically because it gave them live exposure to the rush defence that will define how the Springboks approach the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series. The piece unpacks what that preview means for both camps heading into the series.
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Matfield: Stormers handed All Blacks a Bok defence preview
Matfield sees the Stormers clash as an inadvertent All Blacks preparation session — giving them a read on Bok-style rush defence before the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series kicks off.
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