South Africa's scrumhalf Grant Williams kicks the ball during the rugby Nations Championship match between South Africa and England at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on July 4, 2026. Picture: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
Known for his outspoken views on the Springboks, New Zealand pundit Ben Smith was at it again after South Africa dispatched England 45-21 in their Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park in Johannesburg over the weekend.
It was about as comprehensive a performance as any Springbok fan could have hoped for from Rassie Erasmus’ side, especially at the same venue where South Africa suffered a shock 38-22 defeat to Australia in last year’s Rugby Championship.
This time there was no rust or slow start to the international season, with the Boks producing a dominant display against England.
Yet Smith was far from convinced.
