ONE OF A KIND
KWAGGA: LOOSE FORWARD’S BOK INCLUSION WELCOMED
Sharks dominate coach Rassie’s first squad.
The significant inclusion of Lions flank Kwagga Smith in the Springbok squad could prove to be a masterstroke by new national coach Rassie Erasmus, according to the livewire player’s domestic team-mates.
Smith was one of 17 uncapped players unveiled in the 43-man Bok squad on Saturday for the Test against Wales this weekend, followed by three games against England.
The squad includes 13 Sharks players, nine each from the Bulls and Stormers, five from SA Super Rugby conference leaders the Lions, five overseas-based players and two from the Cheetahs.
All three of the Sharks’ Du Preez brothers – flyhalf Robert and loose forward twins Dan and Jean-Luc – were included.
Lions coach and Bok consultant Swys de Bruin said a player of Smith’s calibre would always make an impact.
“There is only one Kwagga,” De Bruin said of the former Springbok Sevens star.
“What we did with him was believe in his position-specific skills. Sevens is a totally different game ... the spaces are different, so it took a while but we knew it would.
“I’m glad for the (Lions) guys. It’s a big opportunity for them to represent the national team.”
Also praising Smith’s ability, Lions captain and Bok lock Franco Mostert said the flanker’s nature made him a great team player.
“Just to have that guy in your side, he brings so much positiveness. He doesn’t talk a lot but shows it with his actions,” Mostert said.
“If you want to follow a guy, he is the one. He just gives 110% in every game, like we saw when he played Sevens, so for me he is just a great No 6 and a good friend.”
Erasmus said they would begin their preparations in earnest today, confirming that 26 members of the squad would depart on Wednesday for Washington DC, where they would face their Welsh counterparts later in the week.
“The coaching staff has done a lot of preparation, and the players’ contribution to this process, during and after our three camps, has been tremendously positive,” Erasmus said.
“We know Wales and England will be very thorough in their analysis and overall preparation and we have to be ready for them.”
Erasmus felt it was vital for the players to ensure they were on the same page as soon as possible.
“The players know what we expect of them, and that they will have to work very hard in a short space of time to be ready for the Tests against Wales and England.”