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'The worst thing for us': Former captain on what makes the Springboks uncomfortable
By Ben Smith
As the Springboks prepare to meet the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final for the second time, former World Cup-winning captain John Smit has explained what makes South Africa uncomfortable.
After winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup they took over the number one ranking but that tag didn't sit well, with South Africa dropping three Tests in a row after the Lions series and failing to retain the Rugby Championship trophy.
In three years as world champions South Africa failed to win any of the Rugby Championship tournaments.
Smit explained that wearing the favourites tag is uncomfortable for South Africa as it robs them of their fighting mentality that they use as fuel.
"I think it has to do with where we come from, we are quite resilient," he explained to The Official Rugby World Cup podcast.
"We always feel back home we are fighting through something, for something. Things aren't always comfortable, it can be a struggle back home for a lot of people.
"Our mentality is to always knuckle down and rise up against adversity and overcome. That is why I think we fit into that seat a little bit around 'stuff them, we want to climb up that mountain'.
"The worst thing for us is to sit on top and talk about how good we are."
Former hooker Shalk Brits, who was a squad member of the 2019 side, also agreed saying that Rassie Erasmus will want the underdog tag heading into the final.
South Africa stunned England four years ago sitting in a similar position after Eddie Jones' side beat a favoured All Blacks side in the semi-final.
"The South African perspective is we like to have our backs against the wall," he said.
"We want to be the underdogs. That is what Rassie [Erasmus] will say."
Brits believed that the final would hinge on the start and he revealed his biggest fear for the final is the All Blacks jumping out to a quick lead.
At Mt Smart in Auckland the All Blacks raced out to a 17-0 lead in the first 20 minutes which proved insurmountable.
In the 2019 World Cup pool game it was a similar story with two quick tries in the first half putting the All Blacks up 17-3. They went on to win 23-13.
"That is my biggest fear in the game [a poor start]. When we put New Zealand under the pump, from the word go and the way we defend, we want teams to start running against us.
"We saw against England, they kicked a lot and turned our rush defence around a lot."
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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