South African Rugby
Le Roux: Smit was dreadful
ESPNscrum Staff
July 25, 2011
South Africa captain John Smit failed to inspire his players against Australia on Saturday © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Ollie le Roux | John Smit
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Springboks skipper John Smit does not merit a place in South Africa's squad for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, according to former hooker Ollie le Roux.

The former Springboks hooker, who played 54 Tests for South Africa between 1994 and 2002, launched a whithering attack on Smit and coach Peter De Villiers following their heavy defeat to Australia in the opening Tri-Nations clash in Sydney.

With more than 20 senior players absent for the Springboks, Smit struggled to inspire his inexperienced side as they were exposed by the Wallabies in most facets of the game, including at the scrum. And Le Roux is adamant that Smit - who may not start as first-choice hooker in the World Cup given the form of Du Plessis - is not the player to lead South Africa in defence of their title.

"John Smit was dreadful," Le rouxe told Sport24. "I can't think how one could even contemplate taking him to the World Cup.

"Peter de Villiers again showed that he is not the kind of coach that can get a team to gel. Hopefully things go better when the guys at home return to the team."

Le roux praised the contributions of Danie Rossouw, Gio Aplon, lFlip van der Merwe and substitute CJ van der Lind. But warned that the Springboks could be heading for a hiding if they fail to improve dramatically against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.

"The All Blacks are going to be good," he said. " The Boks will get a huge hiding if they perform badly."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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