Springbok captain John Smit believes his international career is far from finished.
This Saturday, just over a month after leading the Springboks to World Cup glory, the 29-year-old hooker captains his country in a one-off international against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
It will be the first time Smit has played Test rugby since joining French club Clermont Auvergne.
In the past, playing outside South Africa has been deemed incompatible with representing the Springboks, although the policy was relaxed under Jake White.
But the game against Wales is World Cup-winning mastermind White’s last Test in charge before he steps down next month.
However, Smit — who will win his 75th cap this weekend — does not believe he has jeopardised his international future by moving to France.
”For me, it’s quite simple,” he told reporters. ”I have been very fortunate in my career. I have played many games, and I hope to play many more.
”I’ve remained available, but selection is not something you are owed or think you deserve.
”It is something if you are playing well enough and the people involved in the future of South African rugby decide you can play a role in what’s coming, then certainly I would like to be a part of that.
”All I can do is play the best I can for Clermont for the next year and a half while I am contracted there, and see what the future brings.”
South Africa’s 1st XV features nine players who started the 15-6 World Cup final win over England in Paris. But Smit stressed it was important this match be seen as the start of the Springboks’ future rather than a celebration of their October triumph.
”Probably the most important thing to do now is just forget about the World Cup. It’s in the past. We worked hard to achieve it, and now it’s about what lies ahead.
”There are many more challenges coming for South Africa, and the sooner we forget about the World Cup, the sooner we will be able to move forward. The responsibility that comes from having won it and having gained the ranking of world number one is something we need to work on on a daily basis.
”And that’s where things start this weekend. There is more responsibility now,” the front-row forward added. — Sapa-AFP