John Smit is set to become the first South African to captain his side in 50 Tests when he leads his men out against Wales on Saturday.
Veteran hooker set to make history
John Smit is set to become the first South African to captain his side in 50 Tests when he leads his men out against Wales at the weekend.
But the World Cup-winning skipper said he would have little time to think about the landmark achievement in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Instead the veteran hooker, who led this side to the World Cup title in France last October, said he would be concentrating solely on the job in hand - beating Wales.
"It's a fantastic honour," said Smit. "But believe me it's the last thing on my mind ahead of Saturday's Test.
"Wales give us more than enough of a challenge to keep our minds totally on winning the match."
Following the exit of coach Jake White it was widely thought that Smit, with 75 appearances the fifth most capped Springbok of all time, would also see his tenure with the national squad come to an end.
But White's successor Peter de Villiers sensationally scotched those rumours within a week of his appointment by retaining Smit as captain
"I had no hesitation in making John my captain," de Villiers said on Monday.
"I know some were surprised by how early I appointed John as my captain, but the last few weeks (in training) have shown it was one of my better decisions.
"He's too modest to admit it himself, but it really is something big."
The Boks will face Wales on Saturday with the second Test taking place a week later in Pretoria.
