News
Matfield takes boos on the chin
August 23 2008
South Africa skipper Victor Matfield cut a forlorn figure in the wake of Saturday's 27-15 to Australia in Durban.
The Boks struggled to stamp any authority on a disciplined and controlled Wallaby outfit, and were booed off the field after a second consecutive defeat on home soil.
The loss was the world champions' fourth in five Tri-Nations matches and ensured they are out of contention for the title with two rounds remaining.
Springbok captain Victor Matfield told a news conference that his troops would take the reaction of the crowd on the chin.
"The booing was perfectly understandable because we are the world champions and we cannot afford to lose two in a row. It's unacceptable to play like that," Matfield said.
"It was all about execution because the chances were there but we cannot make mistakes like we did today, it's unacceptable for any international player.
"It was not good enough and unfortunately those mistakes killed us."