Smit: ‘Gigantic’ series will leave its legacy
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 04: Chiliboy Ralepelle and John Smit of South Africa during The British and Irish Lions Tour third test match between South Africa and The British and Irish Lions from Coca-Cola Park on July 04, 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
FORMER South Africa captain John Smit has predicted that the Lions series will go the same way as the Six Nations and feature some amazing rugby even in the absence of fans.
Smit skippered the Springboks when they lifted the World Cup for the second time in 2007 and then led the team to a 2-1 series victory against the Lions in 2009.
“This three-Test series is going to have only the rugby to make it memorable and leave some kind of legacy, because there won't be fans,” said Smit.
“There won't be interaction; there won't be the mixing together and forming friendships and bonds. But I think the rugby will be gigantic. The responsibility on both sides is so huge that the intensity will always come shining through.
“I am just glad it is going to happen because a 24-year wait would be too much for South African rugby.”
Reflecting on the events of 12 years ago, when Morne Steyn kicked South Africa to victory, Smit is sceptical that history will repeat itself: “It's probably one of the most amazing experiences I ever had. That three-match series was something you cannot compare to anything, not even to a World Cup. It is something so unique, running out to a sea of red, and that is unfortunately one of the things our players will miss this time around.
“The northern hemisphere's ability to pick an unbelievably competitive Lions team is evident in the squad that has been chosen. If you look at the players that have been left out, the calibre of player to win titles and trophies, our boys will be up against it.
“I think we'll be undercooked and a lack of match readiness will be our biggest disadvantage.
“But our boys were up against it in 2009, it was on a knife-edge all the time, and the difference was one kick in the dying moments of the second Test, which could have gone either way.”
