John Smit finds himself one tantalising Test away from 100 Springbok caps … yet arguably under the harshest scrutiny of his illustrious international career, according to Sport24's Rob Houwing.
"Captain of a Bok team that has been walloped in three successive overseas matches in the Vodacom Tri-Nations and out of contention now to retain their crown, the 32-year-old is, sadly, very high on the list of players whose shelf-lives are looking incredibly tenuous.
"That is the unpalatable truth after the latest near-debacle, Saturday’s 30-13 reverse in Brisbane to a Wallabies side supposedly still in a state of transition but simply too good for the wobbling World Cup champions.
"I have little doubt that, come August 21 and South Africa’s first shot at restoring some pride against the All Blacks back home in Soweto, Smit will be invited to lead the troops into battle and simultaneously post his poignant century. He has been a genuinely distinguished servant of the Springbok game, both as leader and player.
"But I’ll also bet you this much: a strong lobby during the merciful hiatus over the next few weeks will also howl that being on 99 caps is no special reason for sentiment and that Smit ought to be among several customers dropped on the grounds of rank indifferent form – even if not necessarily permanently."
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