Rugby
It is a great place where I have good memories - Smith─── MORGAN PIEK 08:07 Fri, 12 Aug 2022
The Springbok flanker, Kwagga Smith, is relishing the opportunity to face the All Blacks in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Smith, who played over 80 games for the Lions across all competitions, will be playing at Ellis Park for the first time in the green-and-gold in tomorrow’s big Rugby Championship clash.
Ellis Park is a proven happy hunting ground for the Springboks against the All Blacks with their most famous victory being the 1995 Rugby World Cup final which they won 15-12.
Smith will only be playing in his 23rd Test when he comes off the bench on Saturday, but he has experience against New Zealand opposition, which includes a SuperRugby final for the Lions against the Crusaders.
Smith said playing at the venue that is considered the toughest by the All Blacks will be special for him.
“My 15-man career started at the Lions at Ellis Park, so for me being back there and being able to represent the Springboks is something that I haven’t done.
“I have represented the Lions there quite a few times, so for me it is great to be back and to be able to play there again.
“I am from here, so it is great to have the local support also behind you.
“It is a great place where I have good memories. We are all really excited.”
Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks kicks off at 17:05.
Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nché.
Replacements - 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Willie le Roux.
All Blacks - 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (captain), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements - 16 Codie Taylor, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Quinn Tupaea.
