John Smit
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| Player information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | John William Smit | |
| birthday | April 3, 1978 | |
| place of birth | Pietersburg , South Africa | |
| society | ||
| society | Sharks | |
| position | Pillar , hooker | |
| Clubs as active | ||
| Years | society | Games (points) |
| 1997–2007, 2008– 1999–2007, 2008– 2007–2008 |
Natal Sharks Sharks (Super 14) ASM Clermont Auvergne |
58 (60) 125 (40) 19 (5) |
| National team | ||
| Years | National team | Games (points) |
| 2000-2011 | South Africa | 111 (40) |
|
Status: November 30, 2012 |
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John William Smit (born April 3, 1978 in Pietersburg ) is a South African rugby union player who plays in the positions of piers and hookers for the South African national team , the province of Natal and in Super 14 for the Sharks . In 2007 he became world champion with the "Springboks" .
Career
Smit made his debut for South Africa in 2000 as a substitute in the game against Canada , which was won 51:18. He was a regular substitute for the following Tri Nations , his first game in the starting lineup followed in November of that year against Argentina . His first attempt for the national team was against Italy in 2001 . Due to a shoulder injury, he then dropped out for 18 months and returned to the World Championships in 2003. He was used in all five games and was against Georgia to the 51st captain of the "Springboks".
Under the new national coach Jake White , Smit was permanently appointed captain in 2004. That year, South Africa won the Tri-Nations tournament for the second time since 1998 . Between 2003 and 2007 he played 46 consecutive international matches before an injury at the 2007 Tri Nations incapacitated him . The year had started for South Africa with two clear victories over England , but the Tri Nations were disappointing. At the world championships , South Africa managed to win all the games and become world champion for the second time. Smit was used in all games.
Following the World Championship title, Smit moved from the Sharks to France to ASM Clermont Auvergne . He was used there, among other things, in the final against Stade Toulousain , which Clermont lost. He had previously reached the Super 14 final with the Sharks , where he was defeated by South African rivals Bulls . After only a year in France, he went back to South Africa. At the Tri Nations 2008 the New Zealander Brad Thorn put him out of action with a spear tackle and Smit was out for the rest of the tournament. At the end of the year he came back and celebrated three victories over British national teams with South Africa, including the biggest home defeat in history for England. He also became captain of the Barbarians when they met with Australia .
In 2009, Smit led South Africa as captain to two wins and thus to winning the test series against the British and Irish Lions . South Africa also won the Tri-Nations tournament.
See also
Individual evidence
- ^ South Africa announce Lions squad. BBC, June 1, 2009, accessed June 1, 2009 (English): "Veteran captain John Smit will lead the South African side."
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Smit, John |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Smit, John William |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | South African rugby player |
| DATE OF BIRTH | April 3, 1978 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Pietersburg , South Africa |