Smith relishes Bok challenge on demanding five-Test tour

KWAGGA Smith believes that the tough five-match itinerary the Springboks have undertaken this November will help the team move to another level of performance.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The Bok management arranged for two extra matches to be added to the original three-game schedule, as coach Rassie Erasmus looks to grow squad depth while improving performance.

"Five matches are a lot, but it's a great challenge for the squad because we need to be on form every weekend," the versatile loose forward said.

"All the Test matches will be tough, not just France and Ireland (the Boks also play Italy, Wales, and Japan). But that's where we want to be. We want to measure ourselves and perform well as a team. This tour will help us grow our game."

Smith, who will win his 60th cap on Saturday if he is involved in the tour opener against Japan, said he was impressed with Wembley Stadium after he and several teammates attended the Rugby League match between England and Australia earlier in the week.