'We must create new Springbok heroes'

New Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith. Photo by: Frikkie Kapp

New Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith. Photo by: Frikkie Kapp

Published Oct 25, 2016

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Johannesburg - New Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith believes a new generation of heroes can emerge on South Africa's year-end tour.

The Free State Cheetahs head coach, Smith, and Golden Lions defence specialist JP Ferreira have been seconded to the Springbok management team for the end-of-year tour.

Ferreira replaced Chean Roux as the defence expert, while Smith has been brought in to help 'mentor' Mzwandile Stick in the art of backline play and skills.

Last weekend Smith guided the Cheetahs to their first Currie Cup trophy in almost a decade with a 10-match winning streak. The Springboks are in a week-long training camp in Johannesburg, before heading to London this weekend to prepare for the tour opener. Smith admitted the success of the Cheetahs and even the Lions are a good platform to build on.

“There's a lot of belief in what we (as Currie Cup champions) have done and even what the (Super Rugby finalists) Lions have done,” Smith said. “It is important for us to sit down and see where I can contribute.”

He added South Africa must work hard to become the best team. “It may not necessary be the best players but the best team,” he said, adding: “There are 12 guys that will play for their country for the first time against the Barbarians and they will be highly motivated. That will certainly help us (unearth new talents).”

Smith also spoke about the need to building a strong squad of home-based players. “(Lions coach) Johan Ackermann said it, we must get 45 guys and if they play in South Africa and not abroad, then it is fine.

“We must work really hard with them and see if we can't create new heroes for South Africa. “This is the opportunity for 12 guys who are going for this Barbarians part of the tour to prove they can play rugby and they want to play for their country.”

Allister Coetzee's Boks will play Tests against England (November 12, London), Italy (November 19, Florence) and Wales (November 26, Cardiff) after opening the tour with a friendly against the Barbarians at the 90 000-seater Wembley Stadium on November 5.

African News Agency

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