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PARIS - Victory is contagious, as is losing, claimed giant South African lock Victor Matfield ahead of their World Cup opener against Samoa on Sunday.
The 30-year-old said that this Springboks squad had matured since the debacle of 2003 where a distinctly under-par team bowed out in the quarter-finals and had already been made a laughing stock by warming-up for the World Cup by going into a boot camp.
"We are now a very good team, very balanced," said Matfield, who will partner Bakkies Botha for a national record 33rd time on Sunday.
"The most important thing is to be consistent. There are a lot of other very good teams.
"First of all we have to beat Samoa, then to focus on England and after that we can go far.
"I think that victory is contagious, defeat also," added Matfield, who will win his 66th cap on Sunday.
However, Matfield said that the 1995 world champions had become a different proposition to their immediate predecessors.
"We often lost close matches but since then we have had a lot of wins both in the national side and in Super 14 (he captained the Bulls to victory over the Sharks in this year's competition).
"Now the guys know how to manage and win matches.
"That is very important because there are six teams who can beat each other, no matter who in every match.
"It is imperative to come out victorious in this type of match. That comes with experience, but also with confidence."
Looking ahead to the match with the reigning world champions next Wednesday Matfield said it would be a vastly different game than the first round one four years ago where they were outclassed.
"We have our opportunity," he said. "They outclassed us in 2003, but now we are four years on.
"The guys have really matured, and we have a good spirit for three years, even four years. All is there for us to succeed. It is vital to be very focussed and committed.
"But more than it being a case of revenge, it is also important in the sense of going on to won the World Cup."
Matfield, who was born in the northern South African town of Pietersburg (now known as Polokwane), said he was looking forward to his post World Cup career when he will join up with former All Blacks legend Tana Umaga at French Second Division side Toulon.
"The French are very nice, very friendly wherever we go.
"They love their rugby. However, I am still struggling with the language. I have to learn a few words before I arrive in Jaunary."
- AFP
