Smit feels the pain as Blacks spoil party
The South Africa captain, playing in his 100th Test match for his country, looked to be leading his charges to victory as the clock wound down with the world champions 22-17 in front.
But two minutes from time opposite number Richie McCaw crossed on the right corner to draw the All Blacks level, before Israel Dagg scored the match-winning try on the left.
It helped Graham Henry’s men clinch the title, but the sound of the hooter spelt heartbreak for Smit, who sunk to his knees in anguish.
“It was terribly disappointing as I thought we had done enough to win,” he said.
“I can’t think of anything worse than losing your 100th Test by missing a tackle at the death. I’ll be disappointed for a very long time.”
The defeat was especially hard to take for the 32-year-old after it was his mistake that enabled their opponents to snatch a memorable victory.
After McCaw had put the New Zealanders level with his try, Dan Carter missed the conversion, meaning there was still an outside chance for the hosts to add to the drama.
Smit continued: “I really enjoyed the Test but in the last minute I missed a tackle and we lost the game. It is nothing to be remembered by.
“At 22-all we wanted to get into a good field position so that Morne Steyn could have a go at a drop-goal, but we turned over possession, I missed a crucial tackle and it was game over.
“I can’t physically describe how it feels to lose your 100th game because of your own missed tackle.”
Smit, though, was pleased with the rest of the way the day turned out at the FNB Stadium, better known as Soccer City where the football World Cup final was played last month.
It was the first rugby union Test at the Soweto ground and a record 90,000-plus crowd was in attendance.
Smit added: “We have some good venues in this country but this has been one of the best I have played in anywhere.
“I had a lot of emotion when I was standing out there alone. The reception from that crowd was terrific and I can’t thank the people here enough for that.
“And then when the All Blacks did the haka, we were standing 10 metres away but we couldn’t hear a single word.”
New Zealand skipper McCaw felt for Smit, saying: “Even though I’m happy that we won, rugby is a cruel game.
“As All Blacks we have the utmost respect for the way the Springboks play the game and the way that John has captained them.
But he was delighted to have added a 10th Tri Nations title to New Zealand’s trophy cabinet, insisting they knew they were always in with a chance.
“In the second-half we managed to get a bit of field position and I never really felt we were struggling.
“I always felt the points would come, we just needed to get into the right places and you need guys that don’t drop their lips, that keep their composure.
“I’m very privileged and proud to lead an All Blacks team like this.
There are guys all around who’ve played a hell of a lot of Test matches and that makes my job a lot easier.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
