Springboks locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield notched up their record 50th Test as a combination against the Wallabies on the weekend in Cape Town.
Widely regarded as the best locking partnership in world rugby, they compliment each other well, with one forming the core of an incredible lineout, and the other, acting as a human wrecking ball around the park. It works well.
“Because I clean out for two players at rucks, Victor doesnt have to clean out, while his value is in other areas where Im not so good,” said Botha, speaking ahead of the Test against Australia at Newlands.
“I do what I do best and he does what he does best. As a combination it brings calmness because we know each other so well and compliment each others styles.
“Its a big occasion for us, but most importantly its not about records but making a difference to the team,” Botha said.
He certainly made a difference with this hit, as he lined up the far smaller Barnes and flattened him, showing that the enforcer will always find a way to make his impact felt in the big games.
It was a rough couple of days for Barnes. Take a look at what happened to him during training, the day before the match.
Time: 01:07
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