White – keep Smit as captain

Jake White believes that South African players playing overseas should still be considered for Springbok selection next year. John Smit in particular should be retained as Bok captain.

“I hope those players will still be considered for the Springbok team. It will be silly of us to discard all the experience we have grown and to start from scratch.

“If I were the coach I’d retain John as captain. Why should I change? John has played a major role in this team and they will still be together for a while.

“Guys such as Ruan Pienaar, Frans Steyn, Pierre Spies, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana will be in the system for while. Why change the captain if he has been part of this group?

“Anyone who has been watching rugby this year would have seen how much we missed John in important test matches.

“It is fantastic to go to the World Cup with John as captain. He has captained South Africa in a more matches than anyone else, and has achieved a lot of success. I have only the greatest praise for the role he is playing for us.”

Smit will be playing for French club Clermont next season, but is hoping he can still be involved in the Springbok setup.

“It will be sad if this is my last opportunity. I would like to be considered for South Africa for as long as I am still good enough,” said the Bok captain.

White confirmed his interest in making a contribution to the Springboks after the Rugby World Cup.

“I have always been interested. I have been coaching for 27 years and have been involved with the Springboks since 1997.

“With everything I have learnt there should be contributions that I can make to assist the new coach; or I can stay on. There must be a role for me. If not, I may be coaching somewhere else,” he said.