WELLINGTON, 5 Sept. – When it comes to supporting captain John Smit in the face of media and public criticism, South African lock Bakkies Botha is as direct and uncompromising as he is on the field.
Smit has been pilloried in South Africa as being badly out of form and a liability to the team, whether playing in his preferred position as hooker or when switching to prop when the in-form Bismarck Du Plessis comes on.
However, it would take great courage to criticise Smit in the presence of 118kg enforcer Botha.
“He’s the best captain I’ve played under in leadership and as a person – he’s phenomenal,” an adamant Botha said.
“What’s so phenomenal is he’s getting all the criticism as not the best captain, not the best hooker, but it’s like water off a duck’s back. He’s just grinding and grinding and working hard and just boosting all the players around him.
“That’s why I admire John. He’s just going full out. He knows he’s there to make a difference in the team,” added Botha, whose player profile in the Springbok media guide lists “negative supporters” as the thing he enjoys least about rugby.
Physical collisions
Botha, whose name could almost be a byword for physical, uncompromising rugby, is relishing the opportunity to play in Pool D matches against ‘bruise brothers’ Samoa and Fiji, as well as Wales on 11 September in Wellington Regional Stadium.
“Test rugby is all about physical collisions and it’s going to be nice and hard this weekend and that’s what it is all about,” the 31-year-old said. “This physical pool that we’re in is a bonus for us on our way through the World Cup.”
He’s also untroubled by the provocative comments made by Wales coach Warren Gatland that South Africa have a conservative, set piece approach to games and “don’t play rugby”.
“We truly believe there is stuff that works for us and all that talking is like water off a duck’s back,” he said
As to suggestions that South Africa have held on to too many players who are past their prime, the veteran of three World Cups was similarly dismissive.
“Our desire is bigger than our age average,” said Botha. “Age doesn’t matter as long as you go into a Test match wanting to make a difference.”
While many opponents may not believe it, Botha has been blessed with a sense of humour.
When asked who Wales are likely to pick as their lock combination against South Africa, he replied: “It’s difficult, but I think a Jones will be there. There’s so many Jones playing for Wales, so there’ll be one of the Joneses.”
RNS wh/pr/pj
