Smit on brink of milestone
South Africa captain John Smit will become the most capped captain in Test rugby when he leads his side out against New Zealand in Durban.
Smit will skipper his side for the 60th time in the Tri-Nations clash on Saturday, surpassing former England captain Will Carling and Australian George Gregan – who share the record of 59 Tests as captain.
The accolades have flowed for the amiable Springboks front rower in the lead-up to his milestone match with All Blacks coach Graham Henry the latest to shower praise on the 31-year-old.
“He’s a very successful international captain and has won a World Cup (in 2007) which we are very green about,” Henry told reporters.
“He’s a very fine player. He’s highly respected by his players and he’s a good bloke.
“He’s a top man so I can understand why he’s (captained) 60 Test matches and I can understand why the Springboks follow him. He’s a top person.”
Smit, who is the most capped Springbok forward with 85 Tests, was keen to deflect the praise.
“I haven’t broken any records until I run out of the tunnel in front of the team at Absa Stadium on Saturday,” he said.
“But, yes, it has been a huge honour and privilege to be involved with the Boks and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of it all.
“We have the task of beating the All Blacks on Saturday though and that is what we are focusing on.”
