Springbok captain John Smit will achieve a remarkable feat on Saturday in the opening Test against Wales in Bloemfontein.
Report courtesy www.news24.com.
He will lead his side into a Test match arena for the 50th time, the first time a Bok captain has ever reached the half-century mark. Springbok coach Peter de Villiers confirmed Smit’s selection on Monday.
“It’s a fantastic honour,” said Smit,” but believe me it’s the last thing on my mind heading into the Test on Saturday. Wales give us more than enough of a challenge to keep our minds totally on winning the match on Saturday.”
Smit will also mark the day with his 76th cap, one fewer than former Sharks legend Mark Andrews. Smit is currently the fifth most-capped Bok of all time.
Smit led the Boks to World Cup triumph in France last year, and lifted the Tri-Nations trophy in 2004.
“I had no hesitation in making John my captain,” said Bok coach Peter de Villiers. “I know some were surprised by how early I confirmed his appointment, but the last few weeks have shown it was one of my better decisions.
“John has authority, but he never expects any player to do anything he isn’t prepared to do himself. That has earned him incredible respect from everyone in the squad.
“We are all immensely proud of what he will achieve on Saturday. He’s too modest to admit it himself, but it really is something big. Especially when you consider the modern day merry-go-round of Test captains.”
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Was his destiny… complete with evil forces behind the scenes… ISIGIDI…uMlomungathethimanga!
Congratulations John. Wonderfull achievement and none more deserving.
Boys High is dynamite!
Boys High is dynamite!
lol rob Gd old chap
i cant believe the sharks havent signed john , to be honest its a disgrace
Even Keo telling off the bulls etc on his site and keo shouting the prases of our smitty
yet one sharks blog they feel we dont need him
i have now come to the conclusion most sharks supporters are idiots
😯
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 1) :
Well done JS… you’re a fantastic rugby player and captain.
@sharks_lover (Comment 4) : not the ones that post here, though 😉
s-l, the real problem is that, like it or not, most people are idiots. The same ratio ends up applying to any sub-division you can find 😉
@robdylan (Comment 7) :
…but did anyone actually say WE DON’T NEED HIM? Cos maybe I wasn’t blogging that day…
@blackshark (Comment 5) : shiled = fake shield