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Former captain John Smit on why this week is 'easier' for Springboks
By Ben Smith
Two former Springbok legends have offered their views on the semi-final matchup with England after overcoming France 29-28 in Paris last weekend.
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Despite England’s lacklustre form heading into the tournament, former captain John Smit and legendary lock Victor Matfield were both wary of the England team, but for different reasons.
Smit, who captained the Springboks to a 15-6 win over England in the 2007 final after having demolished the same side in pool play, said there would be no shortage of motivation for South Africa this week.
He said playing England is the ‘easiest week’ to get the players up for, but he highlighted the biggest risk as emotional burnout for the Springboks, using England’s 2019 campaign as an example.
“It’s probably as a captain the easiest week to motivate your players in,” Smit told the Official Rugby World Cup podcast.
“I suppose there are many reasons for that but motivation there will be no shortage of that.
“I think our issue 16 years ago was complacency and I think that might be something to watch.
“If you think about 2019 and England sort of playing their final against New Zealand. If you can’t reset emotionally in the week and come down and realise we are back to square one again you can get a surprise.”
Smit believed that South Africa would win the majority of the games played between the two sides however that belief doesn’t wash with the actual results.
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Since the 2019 final the two sides have played twice sharing one win apiece.
From the last five fixtures between the two sides South Africa have only won two.
“If we took these two teams [South Africa and England] and they played each other 10 times in the last two years there’s probably a large amount of those game would be won by South Africa. But everything is on the line,” he said.
“There is also a desperation from this England team that got absolutely ridiculed, they have resurrected their campaign.
“How desperate can our guys get again to give themselves an opportunity to go back-to-back? There’s lots to play for.”
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Matfield was straightforward about his view that South Africa shouldn’t be taking England lightly and believed a shock result was entirely possible.
Their simple and low risk game plan would make them competitive he believed.
“England can beat us. I think they are the one team that plays a very conservative type of game,” he said.
“They play in the right areas, they play territory, they don’t take any chances.
“They take the three points, getting a little bit ahead, waiting for the opposition to make mistakes. That is a difficult game to play against, especially for us who like going off turnovers.”
John Smit is spot on. I’m more nervous going into this game against England than I was France.
England will (obviously) throw everything at this game. And they have the skills. If it’s even possible - the physicality in this game could be next level compared to last week. Discipline will be key for both sides. Cool heads. Accuracy. The rucks are going to be huge. Set pieces. Huge.
Springboks by 5. But it won’t be easy. Respect to England. For making it this far despite the negativity. And for setting up such a tasty semi-final.
SA Team selection is so hard to call. In the backs in particular. the backs that are selected will set our mindset going in. I think going in with an attack mindset should be the plan. I wouldn’t start Pollard for this reason. Go in to take the game away. Bring in the safe players in the second half.
- Faf
- Libbok
- Kolbe
- DDA
- Kriel
- KLA
- Willemse
6/2 split. There is risk of injuries in the forward.- Reinach covering wing and Faf
- Pollard covering 10 and 12.
Wiese replacing Duane (for the final).This is untrue mate. John Smith actually said England plays a style of rugby that would make the World Champions nervous. Their game is built on conservative style of play. They play KO rugby. Almost a the same style we played a few years ago.
Guys, I really miss Nigel. I am concerned he did not get his dole payment and now has not got any internet. Anyone know how he is doing?
Ben is bloody lucky the Boks won the last game, as it allowed him some relevance as a journalist with the only topic he can comment on. Keep it up Boks, as Ben needs to comment to earn his fee.
Typical Ben Smith trying to be subtle in his approach in hating on the Boks. Two articles in a row trying to portray Bok legends and Saffas thinking this is a slam dunk game on Saturday! Eish Ben, we see what you doing boet. Try harder
Still stings after 24 years. 🤣 If it wasn’t for Suzie Clint Eastwood would still not know what a ruck looks like. 🤣🤣
Smits a good man, I wonder what his views are on Rassie using the HIA protocols for a rolling interchange bench.
Ben, It would be nice to get a more balanced piece of reporting from you. I feel you have a lot to offer your global audience. Im sure your narrative is evolving with the Springboks game plan over the last 4 years….or are you stuck in the past?
Are the Springboks flying ‘Suzie’ to France in anticipation of meeting New Zealand in the final? 😁