Is this a pot of crock by Brenden Nel, or is it just a public relations stunt or is there after all something most of us miss?

Why are senior players like Fourie du Preez and Victor Matfield, who could possibly benifit the most from John Smit’s exclusion, so happy to play under his captaincy?

SuperSport

Springbok captain John Smit’s influence on the team became apparent once again on Monday as he pulled the side together for a crucial team-talk to keep their focus ahead of their crucial final Pool D game against Samoa at this year’s Rugby World Cup.

After a weekend where the Boks were given time off to enjoy the clear air and adventure activities of Great Lake Taupo, Smit stepped into the void to bring the team’s focus back into perspective after their time away from the oval ball.

There is no doubt the Boks see this as the first of a four-week cycle, with the physical Samoans posing a massive challenge to their hopes of winning their group.

But with their goals fresh and clear in their minds, the physical challenge is certainly something the Boks are looking forward to.

Coach Peter de Villiers deviated from the script on Saturday when he slipped in a comment that Samoa were New Zealand’s B-side, playing and coached like New Zealanders.

There is no doubt that while the Boks need to still negotiate a tough quarterfinal next week, they certainly see this game as ideal preparation for a planned semifinal against the All Blacks in Auckland.

This is why the focus has been upped this week. The Boks know all too well just what a good hard win over Samoa will do – not only for momentum but also for their confidence and sending a message out to the rest of the pretenders in the competition.

Smit may be rested this week – he is expected to start from the bench – but still will play a massive role in the team’s preparation ahead of the vital game in Albany.

Prop Tendai Mtawarira revealed that Smit had addressed the troops on Monday morning, stirring them with a speech intended to remind them just how vital their contribution against Samoa will be on Friday.

Smit’s speech was timed perfectly to refocus the group, turn their attention to a side that is both dangerous and physical, and to hone in the focus on an area where relaxation comes naturally.

“John spoke to us earlier today. He reminded us that this week we are here to think nothing else than Samoa. We need to focus on them. We really don’t care what else happens this week, we want to play rugby and be our best. We know what we have to do now,” Mtawarira said.

The significance of this isn’t lost on all, especially as Victor Matfield is set to return to lead the side into battle, and Bismarck du Plessis is finally unleashed on the opposition.

Smit still controls the side through his captaincy, and given his track record in leadership in this regard, the manner in which the team is allowed to focus this week will determine just how flexible coach Peter de Villiers can be in selection going ahead in the tournament.

And the focus that the Boks need to execute this week shows not only that they’ve moved into the next phase, but also they are more than willing to follow their captain into battle for the glory of a second successive World Cup.