Kwagga Smith says Boks ready to go 100 minutes against All Blacks

Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith is expecting a tough battle at the breakdown when the Boks and All Blacks clash in their blockbuster Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France on Saturday night.

The Boks have struggled at the breakdown over the competition, especially since losing hooker Malcolm Marx to injury as he was one of their biggest weapons in that department.

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But Smith has become an integral part of the Boks’ “bomb squad” and along with utility forward Deon Fourie they have become vitally important at the breakdown in the second half of games.

“The breakdown is always important but especially against New Zealand, it’s a massive thing. We’ve been working a lot on it but I know they’re really good fetchers,” said Smith.

“So, we’ve got to be sharp, we’ve got to make sure we keep our own ball. They are good players and I really rate them (New Zealand’s back row).

“Since 2019 the bench has had a massive impact with the Springboks so it’s something that’s been building up for years now. When we are on the bench we know we have a responsibility to fulfil.

“Playing in the final we know it’s going to be 80 minutes, maybe it might go to 100 minutes, you never know. You know you’ve got to be ready and make sure you use your opportunity when you get it.”

Long history

Smith has developed a long history playing against New Zealand over the years, with him admitting that it’s a team he loves to play against and he will now get a chance to front up against them in the biggest match of all, the World Cup final.

“For me, I have been playing against the All Blacks in all forms (of the game). I mean I played U20s against them when Ardie (Savea) played for them and then I played Sevens against them and now 15s also,” explained Smith.

“Like we said, there’s a lot of respect between each other and we know we are going to bring out the best in each other.

“For me, playing against the All Blacks is just an honour. I know it’s going to be physical but it gets me up and I am excited for that.”