Smit will be at the World Cup next year
by JJ Harmse 19 August 2010, 09:06
John Smit will be at the World Cup in New Zealand next year.
However, that is not a reference to the most experienced captain in world rugby’s playing status.
Smit did not indicate on Wednesday whether he would be attending the 2011 showpiece as a player or spectator when he and All Black counterpart Richie McCaw attended a Mastercard function.
The aim of the function was to market New Zealand as a destination for next year’s tournament and encourage potential investors to get involved with the country’s economy -- preferably by way of investment.
Smit said it was easy to encourage people to attend next year’s tournament, where the Springboks will be defending the Webb Ellis trophy.
“We will need every possible South African. It’s difficult enough to win in New Zealand. To go and win the World Cup there will be even more difficult,” he said.
“I have toured with the Springboks for 10 years and have only been able to beat New Zealand there three times. So we want to feel at home when we get there and bump into a South African around every corner.”
He dismissed suggestions that the Boks are headed downhill.
“Definitely not. It was disappointing to return from tour without points, but we know we can only improve. These past few weeks at home have given us a good opportunity to reflect on our mistakes and focus again on what we want to achieve the rest of the season,” said Smit.
The skipper did not want to focus on his 100th test too much.
“It does not help because it will not change the result. It will be nice to toast a victory afterwards, but before that we have to be at our best for 80 minutes and play the rugby that we know we can,” said Smit.
McCaw was more outspoken about the milestone.
“It will be a privilege to share that moment with John. I agree that emotion won’t win the test, but this is a remarkable achievement by a remarkable player,” he said.
He would not elaborate on the haka that the All Blacks are preparing for Smit’s 100th test.
“We’re keeping that as a surprise.”