Matfield also revealed he was poised to move his family to Canberra two years ago to revive his rugby career and reunite with his World Cup-winning partner Jake White.

But instead of playing for the Brumbies and then moving into a coaching role, Matfield has come out of retirement in South Africa to rejoin the Pretoria Bulls and will play against the Brumbies on Saturday morning Australian time.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie will pick a 32-man Wallabies squad on Thursday with several Brumbies – including Matt Toomua, Nic White, Pat McCabe, Christian Lealiifano, Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander – to be included for the series against France.

Incumbent Test captain Mowen doesn’t expect to be named after announcing he will leave Australian rugby at the end of the year for France. Australian Rugby Union rules state players must play in Australia to represent the Wallabies, but South Africa still picks overseas-based players for the Springboks.

''I was surprised [Mowen] decided to leave Australian rugby, it’s very interesting, but every person has their own goals,'' Matfield said. ''It’s always very difficult. I know there are a lot of guys overseas who can still play for the Boks.

''I don’t know if it’s just the money, but it’s difficult to make a decision for you and your family. As a player you always want it because if you can play overseas, you can get maximum cash and still play for your country. But I can understand why it’s hard for Australia and for Super Rugby coaches, because you want your best players.''

Matfield, 37, has been named in the Springboks squad for Tests against Wales and Scotland next month. The 110-Test veteran ended a two-year retirement earlier this year to restart his career with the Bulls.

But Matfield was ready to join the Brumbies in 2012 to help White rebuild the club. The NSW Waratahs offered Matfield a job as a coach, but White offered Matfield the chance to play for the Brumbies before making the transition into coaching the following season.

The potential of Matfield joining the Brumbies helped White secure Mowen’s signature and the two lineout specialists will go head-to-head this weekend. ''Jake wanted me to come play and then get involved in the coaching as well,'' Matfield said.

''I did have a good, hard look at it and thought about it. It was something that I almost took up, but with my family it was just easier in Pretoria. It would have been a good opportunity and it was enticing, but I’m glad I am back playing with the Bulls.''

The three-time Super Rugby champion hasn’t lost his touch, leading the competition statistics for lineout steals and wins. It sets up a massive set-piece battle against Mowen, who is level with Matfield in lineout stats.

White asked Matfield to tutor Mowen on the Brumbies’ South African tour two years ago. ''Jake wanted me to spend some time with him, but my response was: I don’t think I need to, he already understands lineouts really well. He’s calling the ball well and understands where the weaknesses are. It’s going to be a big battle.''

The Brumbies scored in the 80^th minute to beat the Bulls, who had Matfield as a forwards coach, in Pretoria last year to clinch a spot in the Super Rugby grand final. It was the first time the Bulls had lost a play-off match at home and it stung the three-time champions. They haven’t lost a home game this year.