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VIDEO: Kwagga Smith on why he never thought he would get 50 caps

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith is still pinching himself after he reached 50 caps for South Africa.

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The 31-year-old started in the No.8 position in Sunday’s 32-15 victory over Scotland and his versatility in the Bok squad still makes him an ever-present figure in Rassie Erasmus’ squad.

When asked if it was surreal to get his 50th cap at Murrayfield, Smith said: “Yeah it is, it’s really a surprise.”

He added: “I made my debut in Washington DC against Wales [in 2018]. It was like an exhibition match and I didn’t play another Test that whole year.

“I wasn’t in the group and I thought, ‘Oh sh*t, I’m going to have one cap and that’s it’.

“Then I got a chance when Siya [Kolisi] got injured in 2019 and I played Rugby Championship. Then I got the honour to go to the World Cup.

“After that, it was about trying to maintain my form and fulfil the role they wanted me to do.

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“If it’s off the bench, or if it’s starting, for me it’s just giving back to the team and it’s a huge honour to get 50 caps for the Springboks.”

The story continues below…

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The double World Cup winner spent a number of seasons in the BlitzBok set-up before making the switch to the XV-man game and he has some advice for players on a similar journey.

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“Sevens sets a really good foundation for you,” he said.

“As a young player, you get into an international set-up straight away, so for me, it’s really great if you go there.

“However, you also need to have a foot in the XV-man game. If you only play Sevens, it’s a bit difficult to get back.

“I always tried to keep my foot in the door in both formats and then after the 2016 Olympics I shifted my focus more on XVs.”

Smith was also asked if a return to Sevens is possible for him one day.

“I doubt it. I am getting older now,” he said with a smile.

@rugby365com

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