There’s a massive amount of conjecture around John Smit or Bismark du Plessis being the first choice starting hooker for the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup (RWC) later this year. Smit’s undoubtedly the best leader, Bismark’s undoubtedly a more skilled all round player – and this brings into focus the argument about what exactly makes a better player: is it just the measurable statistics (yardage, rucks hit, tackles, etc.) or should it include the “unmeasurables”, like an individual’s contribution to things like team resolve, collective brains trust and experience?

But the argument about these 2 players is bigger than just being a selection conundrum: it’s about making a World Cup win this year something bigger than just a World Cup win.

Certain events on a sports field transcend the contest and the result, and add to our national psyche. They reaffirm for all of us a larger truth about the potential for greatness residing within all of us, and not just the genetically fortunate sport heroes we chose to idolize. (more…)

John Smit makes his 100th Test appearance this Saturday when the Boks take on the All Blacks at the FNB Stadium in Soweto and Castle will pay tribute to the Springbok captain by offering every adult at the game a free beer.

Castle Lager, an associate sponsor of the South African rugby team, will ensure that all spectators aged 18 years and older are able to enjoy a free round of beer to toast with John Smit after the game during his post-match interview.

Entering the stadium, spectators 18 years and older will be issued with a voucher that they will be able to redeem from the moment John Smit takes the field.

“Our main objective here is to bring the nation together to celebrate John Smit and his commitment to the game. We also want to encourage everyone who will be watching at home to join in the celebration and be part of this amazing experience as we prove to the world that South Africa is a united nation,” says Alastair Hewitt, General Manger Castle Lager.

Celebrating Smit’s century match follows Castle Lager’s continued support and commitment to bringing the nation together through sport.

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Springbok coach and captain, Peter de Villiers and John Smit, both reiterated the importance of beating France at Newlands on Saturday with 16 months to go before the 2011 Rugby World Cup kicks off in New Zealand.

The Boks were very classy as they beat the visitors by 42-17 for their first-ever victory over France at Newlands.

“It was an important week for us to get the result — two good teams were on display today and the game between the Vodacom Tri-Nations and Six Nations champs were quite hyped up,” Smit said.

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‘Old man’ John Smit is set to reach an impressive milestone on Friday night when he becomes the first local player to represent the same franchise in 100 Super Rugby games.

Bulls loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg will join Smit a day later when he becomes a centurion for the Pretoria-based side.

AJ Venter holds the record for playing the most Super Rugby games, but his 125 games were for different teams (94 for the Sharks, 19 for the Cats and 10 for the Stormers).

Ollie le Roux, who is unlikely to phone Smit to offer his congratulations for the milestone that is being achieved against the Cheetahs on Friday night, played 108 games. However, 94 of those were for the Sharks and the rest for the Cats and Cheetahs.

Smit criticised Le Roux in his autobiography that was released at the end of last year.

Albert van den Berg played 95 of his 102 Super rugby games for the Sharks and the rest for the Cats.

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