Springbok captain John Smit will also captain the Sharks in the 2010 super 14.

In recent years Smit has not been the first choice captain as Johan Muller and Stefan Terblanche have captained the Sharks at Super 14 and Currie Cup level.

However Sharks coach John Plumtree has opted for Springbok captain John Smit. It’s a great move in my opinion as the Sharks have tended to lack direction at crucial stages of their campaigns recently, and when you have one of the best captains in world rugby in your side, why not use him!

Some may argue the burden of captaincy when he is already captaining the national side is possibly too much. I disagree as true leaders want to lead and Smit’s general play has never suffered.

Sharks coach John Plumtree had this to say, “It was obviously a tough decision to make, considering the exceptional work put in by Johann Muller and Stefan Terblanche over the last two years. John Smit is widely acknowledged as the best captain in world rugby and is an exceptional leader. With the three of them being good mates, he will continue to have the full backing of Johann and Stefan and all the players are very supportive of this decision.”

Meanwhile Smit said, “I am very conscious of the fact that I can call upon the advice and input from two great leaders in Johann and Stefan, making my job so much easier.”

If anything it may signal the intentions of Plumtree as I would not think it makes sense to have Smit as captain if he is not going to play almost every game and the majority of the games. The question is which position does Plumtree have in mind? Hooker or tighthead prop?

I’m guessing Smit will be considered predominantly at tighthead prop because if he was to play hooker and ‘job share’ with , , I am sure Plumtree would have considered a different captain.

Here’s hoping the Sharks have a great season. I suggest the more John Smit is on the field, the greater the Sharks success in 2010!