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Smit coaches present jerseys

Cape Town - John Smit's former coaches at Pretoria Boys High, Paul Anthony and Jannie Biddulph, presented the Springboks with their match jerseys on Friday ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks.

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Biddulph and Anthony coached the Boys High First XV when Smit was captain in 1996.
 
The Bok skipper plays his 100th Test on Saturday, only the second player to reach the milestone after Percy Montgomery.

Biddulph currently resides in Dubai where he is in real estate whilst Anthony is the current Blue Bulls Under-19 coach.
 
Anthony, a former SA Schools and SA Under-19 coach, spoke about the importance and significance of schools rugby and how big matches have an impact on a players attitude.

"I don't need to motivate you guys," he said.

"At this level you don't need to be motivated. But, go out there and capture the passion of those big school games that you have all played. When you pull that jersey over your head, think about that feeling and what it meant to you.

"You have to put your bodies on the line and show a hunger to succeed".

Biddulph handed jerseys to the reserves and backs whilst Anthony presented the forwards' jerseys.

In response, an emotional Smit said: "The whole week I have tried to put the 100th game in the background and make sure the team interest comes first.

"It is a great honour but there are times when the milestone is less significant than the people who played a role in getting you there," he said.

Earlier Smit addressed media at his weekly Press Conference with the 100th match the main focus.

"There have been many highlights and also some low points but the successes have more than made up for the disappointments," he said.

"It is fantastic to reach 100 Tests and even more special to be playing the game against the All Blacks," Smit said.
 
The Boks wrapped up their preparations with their Captain's run at Fourways High School.

The Test against the All Blacks will be played in front of 90 000 fans at the FNB Stadium in Soweto.


Peter de Villiers, Jannie Biddulph, Paul Anthony and John Smit during the Captain's press conference and team picture session from the Pallazo Hotel at Montecassino (Gallo Images)
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