From bench to brilliance: Kwagga seizes starting role

KWAGGA Smith doesn't mind whether he starts or comes off the bench, as long as he plays for the Springboks, he’s content.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

The utility loose forward was thrust into the starting XV this past weekend against Australia in the Rugby Championship and played a defining role in the 30-22 victory. He scored a crucial try in the first half, giving the Boks a healthy lead at halftime.

While he’s often made an impact off the bench for the world champions, injuries to Siya Kolisi, the suspension of Jasper Wiese, and Jean-Luc du Preez falling ill, saw Smith step up to wear the No 8 jersey in the second Test against the Wallabies.

He put in a strong performance, and it will make him a contender to face the All Blacks next month as the starting eighth man.