The veteran Springbok lock will undergo a final fitness test for his hamstring strain on Monday at the team’s luxurious base at Pennyhill Park, but it leaves the coaching staff with a strange and difficult set of decisions that could determine the Boks’ progress in this year’s tournament.

Ahead of a big quarterfinal against Wales, Meyer will need to decide if he will play Matfield, and if so, in what capacity in the match 23?

With Fourie du Preez outstanding as captain of the side in the last two games, it will also need a decision on the captaincy for one of the most important games of Meyer’s career.

There is no doubt the Boks will want all 31 players to be fit and ready for the playoff rounds, and will want to use every advantage they have in the competition.

But with Lood de Jager the find of the tournament for the Green and Gold, it will be a very brave decision should Meyer decide to drop him.