John Smit: 2007 Springbok team 'was like a python'
Former Springbok captain John Smit says there was a quiet confidence in the squad ahead of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
Today marks ten years since the Smit lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy at the Stade de France.
Five penalties to two gave South Africa a 15-6 victory over surprise finalists England.
Smit says coach Jake White managed to create a steely resolve among the players in the build-up to the tournament.
"He put a lot of confidence into us, he was consistent in his selection. He gave us a proper plan, we believed in how we played, it was successful. And also we were fortunate, we had a group of guys that were very competent and enjoyed each other's company.
Smit says other teams really hated playing against them.
"We used to sort of joke and compare ourselves to like a python. First you've just got to get your teeth into the opponent and once you've got a bite in them, you wrap yourself around and every time they try and move you just squeeze a little bit harder and make your grip a bit tighter."
Finally being able to lift the trophy was more a relief than anything else, says Smit.
"Everyone always thinks it's such a happy time, but I can tell you now, I think all of us were so relieved that the four-year journey had actually paid off. You sacrifice so much of yourself and as a team you go through so much over four years and it doesn't always end up like fairy-tale.
"For the first night honestly it was more like a breath of fresh air. It was more like being able to breathe for the first time. The elation really came, and the special moments came when we actually got back home to a packed Oliver Tambo, to city after city with thousands of people running behind our bus and actually realising the impact of what a tournament like this and the game of rugby has on a country like South Africa."