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PARIS - Four years ago South African hooker John Smit trudged off the pitch thoroughly fed up with the Springbok set up after being beaten by England in their World Cup group match - here on Friday he will lead his team onto the Stade de France turf with a spring in his step against the world champions.
The 29-year-old - who will lead the 'Boks for a record 44th time and extend his national record as the most capped hooker of all time with his 66th cap - puts this remarkable turnaround down to the change of regime when Rudolf Straeuli was replaced by Jake White as coach in 2004.
"The morale in the camp is different to 2003 and for that we have to thank Jake and the selectors for keeping faith with this group of players and in amassing over 600 caps collectively," said Smit, who came on as a replacement in the 2003 clash and along with locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield are the sole survivors.
"There are too many differences to 2001 to mention. It is a different leadership and we as a group have learnt a lot over four years.
"We have learnt a lot together, we have grown together and we have had plenty of good experiences together.
"The morale and confidence are there and that is what cements this team, we know we can count on each other."
Smit - scorer of just three tries in his long test career - said that this had evidently brought about a change of fortunes on the pitch including the 2004 Tri Nations title, though, there had been rocky moments along the way including a slump in form in 2006 which almost saw White sacked.
"We've had some good wins and some bad losses but I would say the turning point for this group was the victory over England at Twickenham last November (which effectively saved White's job).
"As individuals our psyche changed completely (they have now beaten England three successive times).
"We beat them with a baby side and it was a huge turning point mentally for this team."
Smit said he believed that the two sides' roles had been reversed since 2003 but that despite a disruptive lead-up to the match England would not be taken lightly.
"The match on Friday will be even more of a physical challenge than against Samoa last Sunday (a 59-7 victory for the 'Boks)," said Smit, who dryly remarked that the favourite piece of clothing to grab hold of during the match appeared to be the collar.
"However that gets the best out of our guys.
"Discipline will be a key factor as we cannot afford to give away penalties.
"Regardless of the impression being bandied around England do not have many weaknesses but compared to four years ago this is a challenge that we can rise to."
- AFP
