Springbok legend John Smit inspires audience at Saheti School

Saheti School had the honour of hosting popular presenter Dan Nicholl in conversation with South African former professional rugby union player John Smit at the George Bizos Hall.

The conversation was held on the evening of July 22.

Nicholl asked Smit to share his memories at Pretoria Boys High School. Smit recalled that he had an amazing few years there, with great teachers and good coaches.

He tried his hand in other activities such as the choir, but wasn’t very successful, as the music teacher pleaded with him not to return, as Smit amusingly recalled.

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Smit said he came from a background in tennis and golf, sports that rely heavily on strategy, concentration and careful calculation.

Rugby, on the other hand, with its camaraderie, passion and energy, was something he quickly fell in love with.

While in Standard 9 (Grade 11), he received a ticket to a rugby match. After watching the game, he knew it was something he wanted to be involved in one day.

A year later, Smit was offered a contract to play rugby for the Natal Sharks. In the first seven months, he was on tour with various teams for about four months. Nicholl asked Smit what it was like being amongst guys he had only seen on TV.

Smit said there were times when he had to pinch himself because he was one of two guys in the entire dorm who was still in school, among a team full of rugby legends at the time.

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“I had guys that guided me, and that’s why I wanted to be a senior player that also helped other guys feel part of an establishment like that.”

Smit added that he was happy to give the same opportunity to potential Springbok players as they manoeuvred the dynamics of the game while obtaining education and building families.

Nicholl asked what gave Smit balance and not letting the life of stardom and fame get to his head.

The former Springbok captain acknowledged that his mother was a big part of him being a grounded player.

He said she laid the foundation for a culture of composure and sportsmanship.

At 22 years old, Smit had made a name for himself as a young and upcoming tighthead prop.

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Technical advisor at the time, Jake White, put Smit to the test as a hooker, as there were no hookers available playing seniors.

A few weeks later, he played his first game as hooker. Smit’s first test representing South Africa was against Canada, and he described the excitement and fear as an experience he will never forget.

His mom and dad attended, with his girlfriend and best friend also present. “Making that debut was a cool experience. I was inducted into the Springboks team, recited the code of conduct and felt like I belonged,” said Smit.

When Nicholl asked Smit about his life experiences throughout his career, he admitted that spending an average of 220 days a year away from home with his teammates forged bonds that made them feel like family.

“So we got up to pranks, dinners out, some golf on a Sunday to recover, and all the experiences we had while travelling. Taking a picture with Prince William and Prince Harry after the final was the richness I got from the game.”

Nicholl then delved into the iconic moment when Smit captained the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup victory against England.

He asked Smit about the responsibility and expectations that came with the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Smit said it was the journey leading up to the tournament that shaped the Springboks and prepared them mentally for the challenge.

The Springboks won the Tri Nations in 2004 and finished as runners-up in 2005. However, 2006 proved to be a difficult year, with the team suffering six consecutive defeats, including a 49-0 loss to Australia.
The Springboks were ranked sixth.

Smit said, “What that difficult period taught us was how well-connected we were as a group. We remained tight and soldiered on.

Towards that time, nerves got the better of Smit so much so that his wife noticed. However, Smit recalled how she told him something profound at the time; she said, “If you’re worried about coming second, you will forget about doing the things that will help you come first.”

The former captain said he realised that people often allow the pressure and nerves of major occasions to make them forget what got them there in the first place.

“You just have to switch off the noise, stick to the basics and keep doing what you’ve been doing for the past six weeks. The results will come,” he said.

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Those results ultimately saw the Springboks lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Nicholl then asked Smit for his views on the current rugby landscape.

He acknowledged that in recent years, South Africans have been treated to performances filled with depth.

He credited management and coaches for being long-term visionaries who stay ahead of the curve, rotate players, give opportunities and keep everybody hungry.

He said this keeps everyone on their toes and wanting to prove themselves, thus performing at their best.