Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, lock Eben Etzebeth and flyhalf Manie Libbok are among the nominees for the 2023 World Rugby Awards. Photo: SABC Sport
‘It’s not wise to anger the Springboks’ – former Springbok captain
World-Cup winning captain John Smit reflected on some of his experiences with the Springboks and how the team reacts to threats or criticism.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, lock Eben Etzebeth and flyhalf Manie Libbok are among the nominees for the 2023 World Rugby Awards. Photo: SABC Sport
Ahead of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against England in Paris, much of the media focus has been on the death threats received by starting Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach.
After last Sunday’s 29-28 quarter-final win over France, Reinach, who plays for French club Montpellier, was sent a threatening message on Instagram by a fan of the tournament’s host country.
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Speaking on the Le Petit Pod podcast, 2007 World Cup-winning captain John Smit said that baiting the Springboks only motivates and galvanises the team further.
“We can make a small thing a big thing,” Smit told host Alex Payne and former England international Mike Tindall.
“Some guy once asked me – who is the dirtiest international player you’ve ever played against? I couldn’t think of anyone in my time that ever tried to hit one of our players.
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“They were smart enough to know that they didn’t want to anger [the Springbok players] more than necessary.
“South Africans love a little bait.”
Smit went on to say that as reigning World Cup Champions, winning in 2019 “wasn’t part of the plan” and that the current coaching unit that was appointed in 2018 was actually building towards a crown in 2023.
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“This team is way better [than the team from 2019],” Smit added. “It’s got more experience, plus a freshness with these exciting backline players.
“They’re more connected and have come to the party every time the pressure’s been there.”
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Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named an unchanged team to the one that did the business against France. England meanwhile have made three changes for this Saturday’s game (kick-off 21h00) at the Stade de France from last weekend’s 30-24 last-eight victory over Fiji.
Freddie Steward comes in for Marcus Smith at full-back, Joe Marler replaces Ellis Genge at loose-head prop and 22-year-old lock George Martin stands in for Ollie Chessum.
