Victor Matfield has his sights on a Rugby World Cup at age 38. Photo / Getty
The old adversaries will go head-to-head in this year's rugby World Cup, with old being the operative word.
When it comes to age concern, the All Blacks and Springboks are likely to be in a class of their own amongst the leading contenders for the Webb Ellis Cup.
Herald columnist
Wynne Gray highlighted the All Blacks' wrinkles this week, and South Africa could even trump them in the Dad's Army stakes, depending on final selections. In contrast, Wales, England, Australia, Ireland and France will send a bunch of whipper snappers into battle even though they are dotted with old stars such as the Irish lock Paul O'Connell and magnificent French flanker Thierry Dusautoir.
The All Blacks have made no bones about picking old bones however. Veterans Tony Woodcock, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith are firmly in the starting plans and ancient hooker Keven Mealamu is clinging on.
South Africa are also "vastly experienced", with stalwarts like Bismarck du Plessis having remained central to their plans. The 38-year-old lineout legend Victor Matfield quit retirement for one last shot at glory, while the outstanding halfback Fourie du Preez has been refreshing the mind and body in Japan and will also figure highly. Samoa, the highest ranked Pacific Island country, also has a swag of older players in an initial 58-man squad.
