Share

Smit calls on Boks to pick Bismarck, Steyn

Cape Town - Former Springbok captain John Smit believes veterans Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn could add value to the team in 2019.

Both players were initially part of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' plans in 2018 but were then withdrawn in somewhat mysterious circumstances due to "injuries".

Both ply their trade for French club Montpellier and have not featured for the Springboks for some time.

"I still think they can add value, but both currently play at a club not eager to make its players available. However, I think there will definitely be opportunities for them to play this year," Smit said at a function in Stellenbosch on Tuesday night, as quoted by Netwerk24.

"The question is whether their club will allow them to play and if Rassie wants to use them. But I can't see why he wouldn't want that sort of experience at his disposal. You saw what Frans meant for us in 2007," Smit added, referring to South Africa's World Cup triumph in France in 2007.

Du Plessis, 34, boasts 79 Tests but last played for the Boks at the 2015 World Cup in England, while the 31-year-old Steyn played the last of his 56 Tests against France in Johannesburg in June 2017.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 949 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 465 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE