Coach Peter de Villiers has confirmed that Sharks hooker John Smit will captain South Africa for the 2011 international season, and lead them to the World Cup in New Zealand.
There the Springboks will attempt to become the first team to successfully defend a global crown, with Smit guiding the team to glory in France four years ago.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of a two-day national planning camp, where 51 players gathered for the first time under the guise of the Springboks this year, the first of three such camps.
The second camp will take place in Durban on June 12 and 13.
John Smit has captained South Africa 76 times in his 102 tests to be the most capped international captain in rugby history, and will wear the armband for the eighth season.
The most capped Springbok ever, Victor Matfield, will be the South African vice-captain, with the 105 test veteran having already led the national team 15 times.
Coach Peter de Villiers said the duo’s experience made them easy selections.
“John and Victor have an unbelievable amount of experience and we're fortunate to be able to name them as captain and vice captain,” said Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
“They are outstanding players in their positions and to have both still available in a Rugby World Cup year is a great boost for South African rugby. They are hugely-respected in world rugby and have a massive influence on the teams in which they play.”
“History has shown that teams that do well at Rugby World Cups have experience and outstanding leadership and we've learnt in the past that you throwaway that experience at your peril.”
There the Springboks will attempt to become the first team to successfully defend a global crown, with Smit guiding the team to glory in France four years ago.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of a two-day national planning camp, where 51 players gathered for the first time under the guise of the Springboks this year, the first of three such camps.
The second camp will take place in Durban on June 12 and 13.
John Smit has captained South Africa 76 times in his 102 tests to be the most capped international captain in rugby history, and will wear the armband for the eighth season.
The most capped Springbok ever, Victor Matfield, will be the South African vice-captain, with the 105 test veteran having already led the national team 15 times.
Coach Peter de Villiers said the duo’s experience made them easy selections.
“John and Victor have an unbelievable amount of experience and we're fortunate to be able to name them as captain and vice captain,” said Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
“They are outstanding players in their positions and to have both still available in a Rugby World Cup year is a great boost for South African rugby. They are hugely-respected in world rugby and have a massive influence on the teams in which they play.”
“History has shown that teams that do well at Rugby World Cups have experience and outstanding leadership and we've learnt in the past that you throwaway that experience at your peril.”
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