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Smit lines up stars for farewell

Cape Town - A world team loaded with several Springboks will line up against the Sharks later this year for John Smit's farewell match.

According to Beeld, some big-name players that played with the former Bok captain have already been approached for the match at Kings Park on 22 June.

Smit and former Sharks coach Ian McIntosh will coach the team, which will be known as Barney's Army - derived from Smit's nickname Barney.

The players that have already made themselves available for the team are: Springboks Johann Muller, BJ Botha, Ruan Pienaar, Percy Montgomery, Victor Matfield, the ex-Wallaby-flank Phil Waugh, as well as two All Blacks, Luke McAllister and Doug Howlett.

Smit said this will be his chance to say farewell to all loyal Sharks fans.

"It will be a huge honour to play at Kings Park one last time. I'm humbled," said Smit.

The match will also provide the opportunity for Smit to start his new foundation to help injured players. One of the foundations which will benefit greatly is the Chris Burger-Petro Jackson Players' Fund.

Smit currently plays for English club Saracens.
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