Springboks
Name Schalk skipper - Smit
2012-01-10 07:45
Stellenbosch - The leader of the Stormers, Schalk Burger, is the right man to take over the captaincy of the Springboks.
This was John Smit’s message at the official opening of the Saracens Field of Dreams in Kayamandi on Monday when asked who was best suited to succeed him in the role.
“I have been involved in talks about my successor since 2008,” Smit said. “There might be a young player who performs well and is awarded the captaincy, but my money is on Schalk.
“He has the most experience and is the one who commands the most respect among the Boks,” he said. “It will be the smoothest transition.”
“He is a hard worker, tough as nails and he understands people.”
Smit added the appointment of the new captain will also depend on the new Springbok coach.
“It depends on the sort of leader he wants,” Smit said. “He may want to do something different with the Boks.”
Smit, however, declined to comment about the appointment of the new Springbok coach.
“I’m sure the decision has been made already,” he said.
“The South African Rugby Union (SARU) were smart in not making the announcement yet as they have been criticised for impulsive decisions in the past.”