'Smit's form a boost for Boks'
Thu, 15 May 2008 23:48
Bleeding for a cause: Bok captain John Smit
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers' stated intention of picking "form players" in his first season on the international stage has received a timely boost with impressive form of his captain, John Smit, in the French Top 14.
De Villiers, in an interview with rugby365.com, said he has been keeping close tabs on all eligible players and has been very impressed with the performances produced by Smit for his French club Clermont.
De Villiers said he has been following the progress of a number of players playing abroad.
"I have followed and kept track of all players eligible for Springbok selection," De Villiers told rugby365.com.
"The performances of [John] Smit in particular have impressed me." the Bok coach added.
De Villiers also revealed that the door has not been entirely shut on players playing abroad, contrary to media reports.
South African Rugby Union (SARU) President Oregan Hoskins has publicly stated that there are no limitations to the number of players De Villiers can select from those who are playing abroad.
Yet there have been conflicting reports, saying that De Villiers won't pick any players beyond this year.
However, the Bok coach revealed that he will never shut the door altogether on those playing abroad - although the number he will select might be limited.
"My position is simple," De Villiers told this website. "I will pick what we need.
"I will always look at [players who play in] this country [South Africa] first, but when we can add someone special from overseas, such as Springbok captain John Smit, I will look abroad."
De Villiers, who will announce his first national training squad on Saturday, reiterated earlier statement that he is "very excited" about the challenge of facing Six Nations champions Wales in a two-Test series next month.
The internationals in Bloemfontein (June 7) and Pretoria (June 14) will be De Villiers' first Tests after his appointment in January this year.
De Villiers described the forthcoming Test series against Wales as a "massive challenge".
"As Six Nations champions, and under Warren Gatland, Wales have rightly returned to the status of a world power in the game," said the former SA Under-21 coach.
"My focus is on the first Test against Wales - it is a match I am looking forward to immensely."
By Jan de Koning
