Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield believes Japan can “be competitive for a while” against the Springboks at Wembley on Saturday.

However, he expects the world champions’ set-piece dominance and physicality to decide the contest.

The fixture is the third meeting between the nations. Japan, then ranked 13th and coached by Eddie Jones, stunned the Springboks 34-32 at the 2015 World Cup in Brighton. The Boks then won both clashes in 2019, including the World Cup quarter-final in Tokyo.

Jones is back in charge of the Brave Blossoms after stints with England and Australia. Matfield has been consulting with Japan in recent camps, providing lineout expertise and assisting with analysis.

“They’ll be competitive for a while – if their forwards can stand up,” said Matfield on the Rivals podcast.

“At scrum time, under Owen Franks – one of the best scrumming coaches I’ve worked with – if they can hold their own and not give away penalties, they can push South Africa for a bit.

“But in the end, the Boks’ power will probably be too much.”

PREVIEW: Boks brace for brutal northern tour

Brighton still stings for the 2007 World Cup winner.

“Do we have to go there? One of the worst days of my life,” he admitted. “After the game I was sent to face the media by Heyneke [Meyer] because I was the most experienced.

“It shows if you’re not 100% or you’re a bit overconfident, anything can happen.”

Matfield has high regard for Japan, who beat Wales in July and pushed the Wallabies close this past weekend.

“Their first 15 to 18 [players] can compete with anyone; depth is the issue if they get a couple of key injuries.

“I love working with them – they just want to get better. Eddie is pushing them, and they’ll be competitive at the next World Cup.”

ALSO: Eddie eyes ‘iconic’ Bok shock

Matfield also looked ahead to the Test in Paris on 8 November – the Springboks’ first meeting with France since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final epic at the same venue. The defending champions won 29-28 to knock the hosts out.

“France are the big threat for everyone,” he said. “They’re a bit of an unknown with injuries and who’s available, but they’ve circled South Africa after the World Cup. Whoever is fit will play – it’ll be a massive grudge match.”

“On their day they’re right up there – a team that scares me. It’s going to be very tough for South Africa to go there and get a victory.”

LATEST: Double blow for France ahead of Bok clash

Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images