CAPE TOWN – Former Springbok skipper John Smit will be looking to Siya Kolisi to play another “captain’s innings” in the decisive third Test against the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.
With the series locked at 1-1, Kolisi has the chance to emulate Smit in leading South Africa to the “double” of a World Cup triumph and a Lions series win.
But Smit acknowledged that Kolisi has the tougher task, with the current series going down to the last game whereas Smit’s Springboks sealed success by winning the first two games.
Smit said Kolisi’s leadership had been crucial in the Springboks’ 27-9 win in the second Test last Saturday.
“You could see how upset and broken he was after the first Test, but he was incredible last week,” said Smit.
Recalling the sea of red and green replica jerseys worn by supporters of the two sides in 2009, Smit said the absence of crowds because of the coronavirus pandemic had been a blow.
“Everyone, from both sides, was looking forward to thousands of people coming to South Africa, bringing the buzz around the hotels, the bars, the restaurants,” said Smit.
“I think it has been replaced by the antics, the mind games and the strategy of the two coaching staffs having a go at each other.
Smit said the first two Tests had been a “tug-of-war” between two astute coaching staffs and two outstanding squads of players.
Peter de Villiers, the Springbok coach during the 2009 series, also bemoaned the lack of spectators.
“It’s tough for the players –- and the coach too,” he said. “You depend on your crowd to bring to the game the part you can’t coach.”