Elma Smit crowned Lady Rugga
Linden lass Elma Smit for once ran out of words when Derek Alberts asked how she was feeling after being crowned Lady Rugga, SuperSport’s first lady rugby presenter.
“I’m not usually the kind of person who runs out of words, it’s not something I’m comfortable with,” she said. “I’m feeling very lucky, very very lucky and I’m honoured with this title”.
On a night when judges Naas Botha, Elana Afrika, Darren Scott and Ashley Hayden were faced with the unenviable task of selecting Lady Rugga out of 15 exceptionally talented ladies who all harboured a dream of being pitch side at the Rugby World Cup presenting to the millions of rugby mad South Africans, they unanimously agreed that the Lady Rugga crown was a perfect fit onto Smit’s head.
After a long day filled with various tasks the top 15 was whittled down to a top 6 and then a top 3. The 25-year old Smit, who is originally from Stellenbosch, found herself up against Motshidisi Mohona and Janina Oberholzer at the last hurdle of the competition.
Their final task was that of interviewing Blue Bulls centre Wynand Olivier in a post-match scenario.
Her interview, which the judges were very impressed with, proved that she was not only passionate about the game, but understood its nuances as it tackled the current burning issue in rugby, that of neck clamping which Olivier was subject to on Friday night.
Smit, who will be jetting off to the Land of the Long White Cloud in September for her first assignment as Lady Rugga, was humble in victory and had kind words for the other 14 contestants.
“These girls are all formidable and I’m honoured to have spent time with you guys,” she said.
“The other 14 girls here tonight are all amazing people, keep their names in the back of your mind because you will see and hear from them again”.
