John Smit is still a better hooker at test level than Bismarck du Plessis.
Stephen Nell reports for Die Burger that, that is the view of Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones, who worked as consultant for the Springboks during their triumphant World Cup campaign in 2007.
Jones was asked this week about the Boks’ hooking berth prior to the visit by the British and Irish Lions in June and July.
“I think John is an exceptional hooker. South Africa have two outstanding players in him and Bismarck du Plessis,” said Jones.
“At this stage I see no reason why John should be moved to prop. His throwing in at the lineouts is very good.”
Asked whether he thought Smit was still better than Du Plessis, Jones replied: “Probably as a test hooker, yes. South Africa are in a very strong position because John can play for the first 50 minutes and Bismarck the next 30.”
Smit started last year’s tour of the Northern Hemisphere at tighthead prop. He performed well in the victory of 20-15 over Wales, but still played hooker for the most part as Du Plessis was injured in the test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Smit did not only excel as player, but also led the team in inspired fashion. His team talk before the record victory of 42-6 over England at Twickenham left a huge impression on his Bok teammates.
His inclusion in the South African side is still regarded as non-negotiable, but the question remains where he will be used.
The move to tighthead was calculated to accommodate the dynamic play of Du Plessis.
While the Bok coaching staff are probably still leaning towards playing Smit as a tighthead, performances in the Super14 may also determine what happens.
Rumours have it that Smit may be asked to play a utility role in the Sharks’ front row.
Should Smit play hooker against the Lions, the Bok coaching staff may also be able to utilise CJ van der Linde at tighthead prop. It is believed that he is unhappy at Irish side Leinster and wants to return to South Africa.
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Imagine that hey. After this S14 he will be SA’s best tighthead as well. 😛
This of course works on the assumption that Bismark is the second best hooker in the country. Personally i have never bought into the concept of the first and second best players in any position being at the same franchise/province!
Let Bismark go play for say the Bulls or the Cheetahs and then you would settle for once and for all who is the better hooker – and for that matter who is number 2!
Let’s have a look at what is out there to pick from.
Strauss
Wepener
Brits
Kuun
I have put them in order of performance.
So IMO it HAS to be Smit and DuPlessis at the top of that list and it COULD be open to debate as to which one should go at the very top.
BUT add in the leadership ability and the coolheadedness (or lack thereof) and Smit is a mile ahead.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 3) :
Forget even that – he is simply a better hooker.
Jones is still going strong in 2009…
Smit is the no.1 no.2 ( He he he)…no doubt in anyone’s mind about that…
Bis will have to walk in his big shoes though because Smit has a bigger role to fulfill for the team…
I’d rather have Bis at 2 and John at 3 than to have John at 2 and some other crappy TH… 😐
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 5) :
Like Jannie du Plessis?
@MorneN (Comment 6) : Yeah…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 7) :
🙂
I agree. John Smit are the best hooker in SA.
@McLovin (Comment 9) : me too