Victor Matfield is “in a league of his own” when it comes to analysing games and the opposition. That is why he will captain South Africa in their one-off Test against Italy at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

Matfield’s appointment comes in the enforced absence of fellow World Cup winner John Smit - who has returned to France to complete his obligations with club Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 play-offs - and was confirmed by Bok coach Peter de Villiers on Monday.

De Villiers also revealed that Matfield would - for the rest of the year - act as Smit’s official stand-in captain.

Butch James will also be rested which might hand the no. 10 jersey start to Peter Grant. Schalk Burger will also be fit to play.

Pic: rugby365.com