Matt Proudfoot: Bok pack must give Beast the 100th Test he deserves
The national forwards coach lauds an 'ultimate professional' who's a rock in every team he plays in.
Matt Proudfoot. Photo: Gallo Images.
The ultimate gift for Beast Mtawarira in his 100th Test won’t necessarily be a Springbok victory.
Instead, national forwards coach Matt Proudfoot hopes every single member of the pack chosen for Saturday’s second Test against England in Bloemfontein will pull their weight in delivering a powerful performance up front.
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“I’d like to see the pack respond to that milestone,” the former Scottish international said on Tuesday.
“I hope they make it a special occasion for Beast. I’d actually make it our focus this week, to cherish and celebrate his moment with him and play accordingly to honour that achievement.”
The 32-year-old prop has shown remarkable longevity since making his debut in 2008 and cementing his place in the Green-and-Gold to such an extent that he’s only been a replacement in nine of his 99 Tests to date.
It’s something Proudfoot picked up on too.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for a very good man,” he said.
“He’s already the most capped front-row forward. I’m pretty sure most of his caps are starts, which is a remarkable thing for a position (loosehead prop) that’s very competitive.”
Despite the physical toll on his body, Mtawarira has stayed remarkably injury-free over his decade-long international career.
“He’s a professional, he takes care of his body and does his work,” said Proudfoot.
“In fact, he works really hard and sometimes even overtime. Beast has a very good physique. More importantly, he’s humble and he’s always prepared to learn and has been able to ride out the ups and downs of his career.
“He’s able to take things on the chin. Loosehead is one of those positions where you win one and lose another. He understands that process. That’s what makes a good sportsman.”
Mtawarira’s gentle persona off the field – the booming, deep voice hides a private, measured man – doesn’t extend to the field, where he’s actually a true leader among his teammates.
“He’s a big voice in the pack. That’s why he’s so important to us,” said Proudfoot.
“You have to look at what he does in the teams he plays in. When Thomas du Toit started at tighthead for the Sharks this year, Beast provided the stability. Last year when Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw began their Bok careers, Beast was their stable presence. Front-rows are about combinations and Beast is always the rock.”
