Power personified
4 Jun 2008
In the wake of a brilliant World Cup, Juan Smith remains the Springboks’ most hardened warrior at the frontline.
The dull thunk of rock meeting metal reverberates in the background. Over the phone, it really does sound as if the Cheetahs’ team bus is under attack. A metronomic thump greets my every word as I shout down the receiver to Juan Smith, who’s clearly on a different planet. Six months ago, Smith lapped the Stade de France clutching a shiny new addition to the Springbok family. Right now, he’s bouncing along a gravel road on the outskirts of Kimberley. I feel like asking him what he ever did to deserve this.
Smith, typically, is never one to complain. The archetypal hard man is likened to Springbok legends André Venter and Gary Teichmann, men who’ve always prized walking the walk over talking the talk. Both featured prominently in the Nick Mallett era when the Boks won the Tri-Nations and equalled the world record of 17 consecutive victories. Both were grafters whose performances inadvertently secured reverence reserved for legends of the game.
Is Smith in the same class, and at 26, is the comparison premature? Smith absorbs the question as the bus ploughs through another pothole minefield. A World Cup-winner’s medal sits on the mantelpiece in Bloem, and there are plenty who believe the Man of the Tournament accolade should rest at its side. However, the mere mention of Venter and Teichmann shatters this image, taking Smith back 10 years to when the two Springbok loosies were gods in the eyes of a young JBM Hertzog student.
‘I always looked up to Gary Teichmann and André Venter,’ he gushes. ‘They weren’t all that talkative, but their actions spoke loudest. I was privileged enough to play alongside André at the end of his career. He’s remarkably self-disciplined and his attitude is a real strength. I still look up to him, even more so given everything that’s happened [Venter was confined to a wheelchair in 2006 due to a crippling virus]. He remains positive no matter what the situation, and if I can adopt that attitude, it’s going to make me an even better player.’
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské played hooker for the 1998 Bok side and is well qualified to elaborate on the Teichmann comparison.
‘The players followed Gary out of respect,’ Drotské recalls. ‘He led by example. When the guys see Juan dishing out a big defensive hit, it inspires them in a similar way.
‘Juan’s grown a lot in the last three years and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him going on to lead the Boks. Personally, I like a captain who’s physical. I prefer a man who’ll do all the talking through his actions on the field.’
Smith is already recognised as a leader in the Springbok structures and has skippered the Cheetahs for the past three seasons. But is he truly a candidate at Test level? It would appear it’s a responsibility he’s reluctant to take on.
‘I can’t say I’d turn down an opportunity to lead my country, but I’ve never seen myself as a captain,’ Smith explains. ‘I’m enjoying the responsibility at Free State, but to be absolutely honest, I don’t think I have what it takes at the highest level. You look at a guy like John Smit who has all the great qualities of a Test captain. We were fortunate last year to have seven or eight senior guys in that World Cup-winning side. I would love to continue in that sort of role, helping the captain on the field as a senior player.’
Former Bok and Cheetahs prop Ollie le Roux is aware of Smith’s reluctance, but he also realises why coaches prefer him in a position of power.
‘He was never groomed to be a leader; he was thrown into the job,’ says Le Roux, who’s also captained Free State. ‘John Smit’s captained at all levels, but it wasn’t like that for Juan. He leads by example and expects others to follow.
‘For instance, we had a terrible captain’s practice ahead of a big game last season. The guys were absolutely diabolical, dropping balls and getting everything wrong. I’m a believer that the captain’s practice doesn’t necessarily impact on the game, so I wasn’t too worried.
‘But Juan called the guys together. He was clearly pissed off and shat them out. After training, I spoke with him privately and asked him why he reacted that way. He told me he demanded excellence in training. That was the way it was for the Springboks, and he expected the same from the Cheetahs.’
Modern media seems to favour the glamour over the grit, as the thousands of pages dedicated to players such as Dan Carter and Gavin Henson attest. Thousands of Bryan Habana posters adorn the walls of teenagers everywhere following the World Cup. Dust aside this superficial layer and you’ll obtain a clearer rugby view that allows the unsung heroes to come into focus. Nobody can accuse Smith of deferring any of the dirty duties he’s afraid to take on himself.
‘He’s such a determined person,’ says Cheetahs assistant coach Hawies Fourie. ‘When he injured his knee in the Blues match this year, he could barely walk, but he refused to leave the field. Most players would have thought about Springbok selection at the end of the Super 14. Naka was trying to get him off and so was the team doctor, but being the kind of person Juan is, he waved them away. The younger guys see this and they can’t help but admire him. There’s no doubt that attitude will rub off.’
Springbok rugby is entering a new era. Bill’s safely stowed in the Saru trophy cabinet and with the appointment of Peter de Villiers, there are bound to be changes in personnel and playing style. The Bok coach would be a fool to neglect Smith, but the Cheetahs blindside is willing to earn his keep.
‘It’s an exciting time for South African rugby. We had an awesome season last year, but for me, it’s an honour every time I run out for the Boks. As a player, I’ll just look to keep doing what I did last year.’
At the time of writing, Smith’s future with the Cheetahs was less certain. Both the Stormers and the Sharks are scrapping for his signature, while financial minnows Free State are praying he remains loyal to the union that gave him his big break.
Teichmann played in a different era, but as captain of dominant Bok and Sharks teams, he understands the demands of self-motivation. Smith could stagnate if he remains at the Cheetahs when he should be building on the superlative form seen at the World Cup.
‘There’d be a public outcry if Juan left Bloem, but the reality is a top player wants to play in a winning team,’ Teichmann says. ‘For a guy like Juan, he needs to be on the front foot to realise his potential. It’s very difficult to shine if you’re getting pounded in other areas of the game.
‘I’m quite honoured to be compared to a player like Juan. Looking in from the outside, he seems the type of guy who puts his head down and gets on with it. His work rate is excellent and he carries the ball strongly. Unlike a lot of loose forwards, he also has the ability to read play exceptionally well.’
‘Juan is one of the best ball-carriers in world rugby, as his tremendous strength allows him to stay on his feet,’ remarks Drotské. ‘It’s hard to highlight one attribute as he is such a gifted player; one of the best loose forwards in the world. He really has no real weaknesses.
‘His performance in the line-out has come a long way since the early days, and he’s now a sure thing at the back. On defence, he’s learnt to read the opposition and has fast become one of the strongest contesters for opposition ball.’
Teichmann reckons Smith could still be a force at No 8 such is his natural feel for the game. But it’s at blindside where Smith has few peers in world rugby, although it is widely known he relishes a bruising confrontation with the All Blacks, and with Jerry Collins in particular. Teichmann says Smith’s versatility makes him potentially a better player than the belligerent Collins.
‘They are two quality players, but they are two different players. Jerry uses his strength to get across the advantage line at close quarters. Juan has more impact when he’s out in the backs. The reason for this is that he has the pace and skill to compete with backs of international quality.’
Getting older has taught Smith many things. He’s no longer the brash youth who’d initiate a bar brawl or drink his peers under the table. He’s become the quintessential family man, a model for the youngsters both on and off the field. It’s been a steep learning curve for Smith, and he’s only too keen to impart any hard-earned advice to the new wave of budding Springboks.
‘The role of the senior player is more demanding, but that in turn gives you more confidence. I can honestly say my own game has improved because of this leadership role,’ he says. ‘I don’t want to take too much credit, but when Duane [Vermeulen] arrived from
the Pumas, he was never a line-out option.
I tried to help him in winning his own ball and in the contest, and at the moment he is one of the best jumpers in our team. That’s my job; a senior player is always expected to help the youngsters.’
He is the first to admit pain comes with the territory. The rugby spotlight is no place for men of his nature, but those in the know will always raise a glass in acknowledgement to his efforts at ground zero.
Smith has already ascended to the pantheon occupied by Teichmann and Venter, but the next chapter of his career should determine whether he goes on to rise to even greater heights.
By Jon Cardinelli
– This article first appeared in the June issue of SA Rugby rugby magazine.
134 Comments
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4 Jun 2008, 11:42 am
HARD DRAGON
4 Jun 2008, 11:43 am
so I see the theme with the articles tonight is talking up our boys..i like it, cheap and easy way to spark debate like the raucus going on in mujati’s thread
4 Jun 2008, 11:57 am
howdy flanka!
juan is no. 1 on my team sheet. no doubt about it. lets see him kick some ***!!!!
4 Jun 2008, 11:58 am
Best player we have at the moment. And as far as I am concerned if we didn’t have him at RWC07 we would not have won
4 Jun 2008, 12:01 pm
What can I say he is the man!
4 Jun 2008, 12:04 pm
#3 rangerman: howzit ranger…ja this boy is just the epitome of what springbok rugby is about…hard grafting talented youngster who goes about his business with professionalism. First name to be penned down on the teamsheet for sure.
4 Jun 2008, 12:04 pm
Bigger , stronger ,faster and surely in a class of his own.
4 Jun 2008, 12:04 pm
#3 rangerman:
agreed 100% the only other blind side I ever rated with Juan was Andre Venter had the huge privilege of meeting Andre in 2000 in Bloem got him to sign a coaster for my son
4 Jun 2008, 12:07 pm
actually there really can’t be any debate on this thread as it’s pretty straightforward…why not do an article praising Luke Watson, Simon
4 Jun 2008, 12:10 pm
My favourite Springbok player, hands down.
4 Jun 2008, 12:10 pm
The only bad thing about Juan is that he wont leave the Free State for another union, He is just the player the Sharks need to start winning trophies again.
4 Jun 2008, 12:13 pm
#11 It is just a game:
shows the pedigree of this guy no words to describe him he will retire as one of SA’s greatest ever.
4 Jun 2008, 12:20 pm
Prior to the RWC2007 I wasn’t a great Juan fan because he never seemed to distribute the ball. He really earned my respect during the RWC and is my first choice blind sider.
4 Jun 2008, 12:22 pm
Just reading an article like this puts things into perspective. And I wish a few bloggers would take note. I bang on all the time about what is world class and what is not. Juan would be the first name on any team sheet from the AB’s to Canada. You see blokes on this site waxing lyrical about Botes , Deysel , Vermeulen etc. Granted they are good players but not world class. And world class wins world cups. Go Juan you good thing. You will be spoken about as people speak about the Friks , naas’s , Andre venters , Teichmanns , Rob Louws of this world until your dying days.
4 Jun 2008, 12:22 pm
#12 MR Lam:
Howzit Kalahariman?
Tyd dat ons n slag Gemsbokpark toe en kameeldoringvuur maak met n lekker vet skaaporibbetjie.
Jis, ek verlang daai wereld!
My broer kuier op die oomblik daar.
4 Jun 2008, 12:24 pm
“It’s an honour every time I run out for the Boks.” – There you have it in a nutshell the pride in the jersey, this guy would bleed buckets for the Boks and he never ever gives up on us. He’s a real asset to us and one of the best in his position in the world. His Wc form was AWESOME and long will his hand off of Matthew Tait live in the memory!! Legend!
4 Jun 2008, 12:25 pm
#15 Pietman: My ma en pa vertrek moreoggend Gemsbokpark toe vir twee weke. Tent en alles. Stop more aand in Keimoes oor. Lekker trippie vir die twee ou ballies
4 Jun 2008, 12:29 pm
#17 pauld:
Vir seker!
Wonder waar slaap hulle in Keimoes, daai hotel was laas toe.
Lekker plek is Attie van Niekerk se gastehuis, soos jy die dorp uitry Upington toe, teen die klipkop oorkant die skool.
4 Jun 2008, 12:31 pm
#18 Pietman: Ek sal bietjie vra. Wat is die naam van Attie se gastehuis ?
4 Jun 2008, 12:32 pm
One of possibly only two guys I will always pick in my Bok team fitness permitting.
4 Jun 2008, 12:33 pm
#19 pauld:
Kan wraggies nie onthou nie, dis sulke kliphuisies met lekker geriewe.
Sal by my ma ****.
4 Jun 2008, 12:34 pm
#21 Pietman: Ok kwaai. Dankie ou pel
4 Jun 2008, 12:36 pm
#20 PissAnt:
The other being Burger?! Damn our loosies are good!!
4 Jun 2008, 12:36 pm
#22 pauld:
‘Die Werf’, val dit my skielik by.
Dit is in die Keimoes gids.
Se vir Attie ek het hulle verwys.
4 Jun 2008, 12:37 pm
Ya definitely a red grass player honestly can say i have never heard anyone say he is anything but great.Sad to hear about Andre Venter i did not know that he was confined to a wheel chair,Sean Fitzpatrick rated him the hardest player he has ever played against.
4 Jun 2008, 12:40 pm
really is what springbok rugby is all about, great player.
4 Jun 2008, 12:41 pm
#15 Pietman:
pietman
lekker en daar gee die datum dan kry ek jou daar enige tyd, was baie lekker my drie jaar daar groot respek vir upingtoners
4 Jun 2008, 12:42 pm
best handoff in the game too, someone should really make a compilation video os his handoffs.
always thought he was the best playerin the wc too.
4 Jun 2008, 12:43 pm
#25 4moreyears: So did Richard Hill who has just recently retired from rugby. He was a hard man as well so coming from the likes of Fitzy and Hill the compliment is even better
4 Jun 2008, 12:43 pm
hey lammie, PA, pauld, flanka and the rest!
this is going to be a short thread. everyone agrees, juan is in a class of his own. never seen him have a slump in form, never seen him showing a big head. just gets on with his work. it is an HONOUR to be compared to teich and andre venter (two of my all time favourites) but the guy has earned it. definately my player of the wc. but flashy players get noticed as opposed to hard grafters.
cant wait to see juan use his “fokkof uit my pad uit, jammer die bus is vol!” handoff on sat.(with apologies to katman).
4 Jun 2008, 12:44 pm
Juan Smith = The Conductor.
(the man who decides who gets on the bus and who doesn’t)
4 Jun 2008, 12:44 pm
#29 pauld:
Check mail oor ‘Die Werf’..
4 Jun 2008, 12:46 pm
#30 rangerman: weird timing.
4 Jun 2008, 12:47 pm
#32 Pietman: Het hom. Dankie
4 Jun 2008, 12:48 pm
#30 rangerman:
gerry collins reckons juan is the hardest he has ever come up against even JP redcard nel once said when juan tackles you you get up (if you can) and say, that guy knows what he is doing
4 Jun 2008, 12:49 pm
rangerman 30..”.fokkof uit my pad uit.jammer die bus is vol” priceless mate absolutely priceless.
4 Jun 2008, 12:51 pm
Saw that hand off in the super 14 it was so big it looked illegal.
4 Jun 2008, 12:52 pm
#33 katman: ja katman, sorry about that. just too good a line to leave out. i gave you credit though.
i like that, “the conductor”. MR juan smith.
4 Jun 2008, 12:54 pm
#35 MR Lam: ja lammie, jerry rates juan, what more do we need to know?
kinda reminds me of the fear the AB’s had for a certain flyhalf named lem!
4 Jun 2008, 12:55 pm
#37 4moreyears: didnt some poor province chappie get THE hand off this year?
4 Jun 2008, 12:56 pm
and juan taught it to kanko. and kanko showed Richie what he had learnt. and then it was try time baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 Jun 2008, 12:57 pm
#40 rangerman: Francois Louw. Doctor says he can have the handprint on his chest surgically removed, but he reckons he might keep it.
4 Jun 2008, 13:02 pm
lunchtime lettuce leaf and Keo for dressing. What a meal. Pity the subject matter is boring. Jean is the greatest loose forward in world rugby right now IMO(yes even Richie) and seems nobody disagrees. So its off to more interesting stuff on the Mujati post for me. If his old man should pop down to Newlands to watch his son play for the Boks, I’ll be looking for a broad pair of shoulders to rest my old R1 on,so that I can get a good shot in between the peepers. ANIMAL.
4 Jun 2008, 13:02 pm
Hey Keo, Im just wondering, whats the point of buying the SA Rugby magazines if you guys publish the articles. For me, its gr8 but I dont think SA Rugby Mag feels the same way.
4 Jun 2008, 13:02 pm
I agree with the article 100%. Just like Teichmann and Andre’ Venter. Actions speak louder than words. In the 2005 I went to watch The boks face the All Blacks at Newlands. And geeze , Juan Smith would be tackling a storming Jerry Collins and smashing him backwards in the tackle. F***king amazing china;s.
Juan Smith can tatoo No7 on his back. The bok No7 jersey will be his for a very long time.
4 Jun 2008, 13:02 pm
#42 katman: lmao!
4 Jun 2008, 13:04 pm
ruggamad Dave , i think the new issue is not far away , and therefore these slighly outdated articles are of less value.
4 Jun 2008, 13:04 pm
#43 TASSIES: That story was bullshit. No relation to Brian. Please stop spreading this prejudicial ****.
4 Jun 2008, 13:05 pm
#44 ruggamad_dave: You can’t put the website in the guest loo.
4 Jun 2008, 13:05 pm
#42 katman:
LMFAO I remeber Spies handing off schalla at loftus in 2007 stormers bulls game, schall almost killed everyone he tackled after that he was so pissed off thats teh day luke went off ans schall took over CPT but we still had our arses handed to us at the WP supporters tent after the game their were still more BB supporters tahn WP supporters trying to get in to see schalla
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