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.
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.
“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.”
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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.
“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.
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