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Cape Town - Springbok coach Peter De Villiers says he's not worried about criticism against the merit of his captain, John Smit's, inclusion in the team.
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De Villiers again had to defend his captain's place in South Africa's starting line-up when he addressed the world's media at the Boks' first press conference in Wellington.
However, the coach's response was shrewd, as he confidently dismissed claims that Smit should not start for South Africa.
"John is currently the best hooker in world rugby," De Villiers was quoted as saying in the Rapport newspaper.
The Bok captain was a bit more light-hearted when asked the same question.
"According to my wife I am also the most attractive man in the world," Smit jokingly stated.
"So everyone is probably entitled to their opinion."
De Villiers also made it clear that he is happy with where they currently are in their preparations, despite a poor build-up to the showpiece event.
"The three losses in our last four matches might be viewed as a problem by those outside our camp, but results weren't everything during that phase of our preparation.
"We wanted to get a few things right and we did," said an assured De Villiers.
* Can the Springboks fend off Wales in their RWC opener? Click HERE for the latest RWC odds on BET.CO.ZA
Click to BUY John Smit’s Captain in the Cauldron book
Click to BUY your very own Springbok RWC jersey
De Villiers again had to defend his captain's place in South Africa's starting line-up when he addressed the world's media at the Boks' first press conference in Wellington.
However, the coach's response was shrewd, as he confidently dismissed claims that Smit should not start for South Africa.
"John is currently the best hooker in world rugby," De Villiers was quoted as saying in the Rapport newspaper.
The Bok captain was a bit more light-hearted when asked the same question.
"According to my wife I am also the most attractive man in the world," Smit jokingly stated.
"So everyone is probably entitled to their opinion."
De Villiers also made it clear that he is happy with where they currently are in their preparations, despite a poor build-up to the showpiece event.
"The three losses in our last four matches might be viewed as a problem by those outside our camp, but results weren't everything during that phase of our preparation.
"We wanted to get a few things right and we did," said an assured De Villiers.
* Can the Springboks fend off Wales in their RWC opener? Click HERE for the latest RWC odds on BET.CO.ZA
