Photo Credit - SARU
Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith is not fussy about the number on his back with the Tests against Georgia and the Castle Lager Lions Series approaching and says his only objective is to make a valuable contribution on the field.
The Rugby World Cup winner and Olympic Games bronze medallist with the Blitzboks earned the last of his six Test caps in the Springboks’ 66-7 victory in Japan in 2019, and with Test rugby back on the agenda for South Africa, Smith says he is willing to play in any position in the loose trio.
“I’ve played No 8 the whole season in Japan, and it obviously helped me in that position,” said Smith.
“I’ve also played on both sides of the scrum – in the World Cup I played No 7 and I played No 6 against New Zealand in a Rugby Championship game.
“So, I’d be fortunate to play in any one of those positions and I’ll do my best to perform. I am open to anything, and I’m really working hard on all the basics to make sure that when that opportunity comes that I’m ready.”
When asked about preference, the former sevens specialist was non-committal and played it straight off the bat: “There isn’t a position in the loose trio that I prefer, I just want the opportunity to be on the field and play with my best mates.
“We have a strong system where if you slot into one of those positions it will suit the way you play, so the coaches will look at that and assess where they want me.”