On Sunday, South Africa claimed a hard-fought 32-15 win against Scotland in a Test in which the double Springbok led the team onto the park in Edinburgh.

While Smith didn’t have the best game of his career, he certainly played his part in the victory.

Smith said he has been blessed to have a very special career, and for the Boks to have won at the iconic stadium in his 50th Test was the cherry on the cake.

“Yeah, definitely I think playing at Murrayfield and getting a win on my 50th is really special,” said the player who is no doubt a big fan favourite. “I think it was a tough game as Scotland really played well and we made a lot of mistakes. But I think for the boys to pull it through is special and for me running out getting my 50th is just crazy and it’s really an honour with this team.”

Smith added that being able to represent the Blitzboks at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and in 35 tournaments (158 games) on the Sevens World Series was special, but the dream was always to be a Springbok.

“I think playing at the Sevens and going to Olympics and Commonwealth Games and getting 35 tournaments is quite special, but then you set your next target and I wanted to be a Springbok,” Smith added. “I didn’t think I’d get to 50 but obviously, getting to 50 is really special and it’s just an honour and for me it’s just giving back to this team.”

Kwagga Smith. Photo: RWC

The tough player added that the Springboks’ environment is certainly a special one, and it’s one where the players all have a common goal and work together towards it. “The team just speaks for itself and I think we’ve got a good environment going. There is good internal competition but we all believe in the same dream and we all work together to reach those dreams.”

Smith is the only player in the Springbok team that can boast with a Commonwealth gold medal (2014 Glasgow), an Olympic bronze medal (2016 Rio de Janeiro), as well as two Rugby World Cup winners’ medals (2019 Japan, 2023 France) and two Rugby Championship titles (2019 and 2023).

Meanwhile, this week the focus shifts to England with the Roses and the Springboks going head-to-head on Saturday in London. This Test at Twickenham kicks off at 19:40.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg