Dynamic Springboks tighthead Zach Porthen bulldozed England's defenders during their Nations Championship Test match at Ellis Park.
Kwagga Smith’s long-term knee injury has undoubtedly taken some sting out of the Springboks’ famed “Bomb Squad”.
Over the years, Smith has brought relentless energy, pace, and power to the Bok pack in the second half of matches. His ability to compete fiercely at the breakdown to steal or slow down opposition ball is the stuff of legend, while his Sevens background sees him cover every inch of turf as a support runner with exceptional awareness and anticipation.
The closest player to Smith in the current Springbok squad is arguably Paul de Villiers, whose stock rose with every passing Test in the Nations Championship. However, the openside flanker is likely to start against the All Blacks at Ellis Park after captain Siya Kolisi limped off during Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
The Boks have other back-row options in their ranks, such as Marco van Staden and Ben-Jason Dixon, but they lack Smith's unique dynamism.
