John Smit
16 results

How 1995 remains a key part of the Springbok spirit
- International
- October 26, 2019, 14:00
It will forever remain the single most iconic image in the history of Rugby World Cups and, perhaps, the game itself. Nelson Mandela handing over the (...)

The Perfect 10: why Johnny Sexton should win the World Player of the Year
- Rugby
- November 24, 2018, 07:00
The clock has passed the 77 minute mark. Ireland trail France by 13-12 and their goose looks cooked. Anthony Belleau is lining up a kickable penalty a(...)

Schalk Brits comes out of retirement to answer Springboks’ call
- International
- June 11, 2018, 15:56
South Africa have sprung a surprise by calling up Schalk Brits for the remainder of their series against England – a fortnight after he had retired. (...)

Joel Stransky hits out at ‘old boys club’ after RWC vote
- International
- November 15, 2017, 14:33
Former South Africa outhalf Joel Stransky has labelled World Rugby an “old boys’ club” and questioned the process to select the 2023 World Cup hosts a(...)

Liam Toland: We’re not Europe’s All Blacks in one area – transition
- Rugby
- November 10, 2017
“Security isn’t a dirty word, Blackadder. Crevice is a dirty word, but security isn’t”. General Sir Anthony Hogmany C Melcett may be batty but at leas(...)

Allister Coetzee says Ireland face a ‘solid’ Springboks defence
- International
- November 10, 2017, 06:00
Continuity was the buzz word as Springbok coach Allister Coetzee named a side with just three changes from the one that lost to New Zealand by a point(...)

Money talks in World Rugby and World Cup is the loudest voice
- International
- September 26, 2017
Money talks in sport, and World Rugby is no exception, not least with its once-every-four-years World Cup. This is the governing body’s main cash co(...)

Ireland’s presentation sets out Rugby World Cup dream
- Rugby
- September 25, 2017, 14:43
If their press conferences at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington were any yardstick whatsoever, the Irish bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup was c(...)

Leinster left to rue self-inflicted wound
- Pro14
- September 14, 2017, 18:45
Last Thursday Leinster coach Leo Cullen outlined the logistical difficulty in dovetailing two matches in South Africa with the regular league and Cha(...)

Gordon D'Arcy: Lions must remember All Blacks are just men
- Rugby
- June 19, 2017, 06:00
Victory over the Crusaders would have emboldened the Lions, and the Maori scalp should convince them a Northern Hemisphere approach to rugby can overc(...)