Springboks put faith in Smit as World Cup captain

Tuesday, 3 May 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CAPE TOWN, May 2 (Reuters) - South Africa stuck firmly to the script by naming John Smit as the Springboks captain for the 2011 season, including their rugby World Cup title defence.

Smit led the Springboks to the 2007 World Cup title and has been skipper since first being given the job on a full-time basis by former coach Jake White in early 2004.

Hooker Smit’s recent form, and the rise to prominence of rival Bismarck du Plessis, had fueled speculation that the most capped Boks Test captain could be replaced.

Bulls captain Victor Matfield was the touted alternative for Smit, who has captained South Africa in 76 of his 102 international appearances.

Matfield, the most capped Springbok with 105 Tests, was instead named vice-captain, a position he has regularly occupied under current Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

Matfield has also captained South Africa on 15 occasions in Smit’s absence.

“John and Victor have so much experience and we’re lucky to be able to name them as captain and vice captain,” De Villiers told reporters at the team’s hotel on Monday.”

“To have both still available in a rugby World Cup year is a great boost,” he added after a 51-man provisional World Cup squad completed the first in a series of team planning sessions.

“History has shown that those teams who do well at World Cups have experience and outstanding leadership and we’ve learnt that you throw away that experience at your peril.” Smit said in a statement: “The responsibility comes with a great deal of pressure and expectation but it never loses the thrill or the sense of privilege that comes with it.” (Reporting by Duane Heath; Editing by Alastair Himmer)