Peter de Villiers has done what I think is the most sensible thing, in retaining John Smit as captain of the Springboks in 2011. Despite question marks about the Sharks man’s form and ability to hold down a starting berth from some quarters, the coach has shown faith in his leadership team and backed Smit – along with vice captain Victor Matfield – to do the business one last time.
Back in 1999, Nick Mallett dumped his then captain – the hugely respected Gary Teichmann – on the eve of the World Cup and that action sent a shockwave through the team which ultimately, I feel, derailed their campaign. It is encouraging that de Villiers has learned from that mistake and opted to keep Smit on board, saying that “history has shown that teams that do well at Rugby World Cups have experience and outstanding leadership and we’ve learnt in the past that you throw away that experience at your peril.”
De Villiers now has to solve the thorny issue that has been plaguing his Sharks counterpart John Plumtree all season; how to accommodate John Smit in a run-on side where Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis and his brother Jannie are arguably the best players in the country in their respective positions. Adding further to the puzzle is the fact that Matfield, on form, cannot hold a candle to the impressive Andries Bekker who is currently absolutely untouchable in the number 5 shirt, certainly in South Africa, if not the world.
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This is a very good decision. Cue grant10 with his predictable ‘turbo reverse’ rantings! 😆
Congratulations to John Smit. 😎
Great decision – the very PDV quotation that Don Roberto has posted gave me hope that the right kind of thinking is going on behind the scenes.
Just had someone on twitter tell me Smitty is 3rd choice hooker behind Bismarck and Deon Fourie. She must be grant10’s sister 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 4) :
Or Barney’s secret shame. Who doesn’t have a vengeful ex-girlfriend. Or seven. 😆
Good move imo. 😎
first small step for the 2011 RWC champs
GO BARNEY !!! 😆
Congrats John.
Best Bok Captain ever.
The core of the squad will remain the same. Even the under performing players will retain their spots. I will nonetheless support the Green And Gold to the best of my sanity.
Smit is out injured and will miss this weekends match as per the Daily News.
@ Mocho…so Stefan will start again 🙄
Go Oupa Stefan!! 🙄
@ wpw, where to ? Old Age Home ? 🙄
How about koshuis span in Stellies! 😉
Jake White sal hom sy kaptein maak.
The addition of Western Province senior professional coach Rassie Erasmus to the Springbok strategic mix for the World Cup amounts to “an injection of energy”, says reappointed national captain John Smit
This will certainly help PdV in a good way.
The Springboks have re-appointed Derick Coetzee, the conditioning coach that brought them such success in 2007, for their bid to become the first team to win the William Webb Ellis Cup on consecutive occasions.
@Charlie (Comment 14) :
😆 😆 poor charlie
I think this is a good move, and if it means bad news for bisie and becker, they will be there on the bench and next world cup if they keep up the good work, maybe becker can start and then victor and bisi end the games.
Still no word on Ms Calder being added yet?
congrats john
This is great news. Even more so for the fact that Victoria Matfield won’t be captain. Thank Goodnes!!!
@Mocho (Comment 11) : Not good news that. Hope nothing serious. Was hoping to see Adi start. Now Stefan will start.
Sharks should be thinking for next year. Hargreaves is very capable to captain.
Dan Carter also apparently still injured and will miss the Newlands clash.
Well now that is good news it gives us as SA a good feeling and a lot of hopes for the WC 2011 there is no better Captain as John Smit
congrats Captain you make us all proud