‘I’ll wing it if I have to’ says Kwagga

WITH only two backline players and six forwards on the bench for the Springboks in the first Test against Wales at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow at 5.05pm, Kwagga Smith says he will wing it if necessary.

Veteran Willie le Roux, who covers flyhalf, fullback and wing and scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies are the only backline players on the bench for the clash.

With starting fullback Damian Willemse also covering the midfield, the Boks should have cover in all positions. But in a pinch, Smith is reg for coach Jacques Nienaber to druk op his nommer.

With Nienaber hinting earlier in the week that Smith could be a last resort on the wing, the former Blitzbok will embrace the challenge if the call comes.

He explains: “I played a lot of Sevens tournaments and there is a lot of space to cover there also.

“So ja, it’s the last resort if something happens, but I’m really keen for that challenge. I made my Currie Cup debut on the wing, so for me if that challenge comes I will step up to it.

“If it comes, I will give my all to contribute to the team, because that’s the main thing.”

Sharing the bench with Smith tomorrow will be two debutants in Elrigh Louw and Salmaan Moerat.

A loose forward by trade, Smith has some wise words for fellow loosie Louw.

Asked what he’d say to the youngster ahead of possibly making his debut in front of his home crowd, Smith says: “I have been trying to keep him calm this week and told him that the debut goes by so fast, just to what you do. He is a really good player.”