Captain in the Cauldron – The John Smit Story

John Smit is one of the legends of South African rugby, and perhaps the most successful Springbok captain ever. He is the most capped Springbok forward ever, the most capped captain of any International side, and has led the Springboks to every title they can achieve.

This book is his story, told to one of the icons of the South African rugby media and close friend, Mike Greenaway of Independent newspapers.

Smit was born in Pietersburg (Polokwane), and one gets a great insight into a typical boy growing up on the veld of South Africa, ensconced in tremendous values from a young age from a very loving value. As one reads, one can tell that Smit always remains true to these values and has left his legacy on the Springboks who have become fantastic ambassadors for the rainbow nation.

Sanjay with Springbok Captain John Smit

In his book, Smit reveals:

Reading Smit’s  story you gain a fascinating insight into a man who is fiercely patriotic towards his country, and who surprises at times with his character. I was surprised to learn how tennis was one of Smit’s great passions, and the extent to which he still follows it today.

It came as no surprise to me to learn how important his family, especially his parents, wife Roxy and kids are to him.

For the first time in a rugby biography, John Smit tries to take the reader behind the scenes and learn what truly happens off the field and in the change rooms. Smit shows how much pride and passion the Boks have, and it is comforting to know the side cares as much as us supporters do!

There are some great tales, interesting stories and I was surprised to learn just how much of a character Smit truly is off the field, as he has always come accross as the consumate professional. Whilst he never strays from his responsibilities, he does let his hair down and like to have a good jol too!

In a recent survey by Sport 24, the results revealed that the South African public would rather offer a lift to Smit the Springbok captain that South African beauty Lee-Anne Liebenberg (and just over 70% were male!). The Springbok skipper also topped the polls as the ultimate dinner partner, showing just how much he is admired and revered by the South African public.

Whilst he has achieved so much already, I fear the true value of John Smit will only be felt once he retires from the game. In 2000 when he made his Springbok debut, I was not sure he was one of the best hookers in South Africa. Consequently I thought Jake White man a bad choice in selecting Smit as his Captain. However after 2007, he is the first man I’d select in my Springbok side and deserves to play anywhere he is needed.

I wish John Smit all the best of success for the future and can’t wait to see him become the first man to successfully lead a rugby side in defending the World Cup. No one deserves it more!