Kwagga Smith Tribute | The Swiss Army Knife

Kwagga is one of my favorite players to watch, he's almost like a swiss army knife with all of the stuff he does on the field. He's excellent with ball in hand and can make players miss with his feet. He's also tremendous on defence and his work rate is always very high.
He may not have had the best 1st test against the B&I Lions but be bounced back the rest of the series and put in a incredible defensive effort in the last test.
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[@LomuHabana]

This video aged so well. He was so damn good at the World Cup. 10 turnovers, this World Cup as an impact player playing mostly the last 30 minutes. 3 turnovers in 22 minutes in the final. What a player. Best impact player of all time.

[@zephanish]

He's super underrated, people often don't fancy him as he isnt of the same mould as PSTD. He plays quite similar to Hooper, high work rate and an everywhere man.

[@tasanalytics]

I think he goes unnoticed in a lot of ways that Franco Mostert goes under the radar. They don't get these massive big hits or linebreaks all the time but the amount of work they contribute is amazing. I think I read a stat where Kwagga had like 10+ tackles despite coming of the bench in the 3rd test. That's ridiculous😂.

[@miguelangel3254]

He's an openside, SA don't believe in opensides, that's why he's underrated. The only openside I've seen in SA in more than 20 years watching rugby was Heinrich.

[@penieltshiamala3457]

Hes very strong and has some wheels

[@oliverberard]

I dunno - his decision making/composure /discipline seems to lacking in the big games. Maybe we just been spoilt with Vermuelen. This is our weakest overall group of loose forwards in a while. Without PSTD, DV, we don't have world class replacements.

[@miguelangel3254]

@@oliverberard he's an openside, no point comparing him to Vermeulen.

[@tshiya.mosikili2324]

A former sevens player who plays forward in the 15 man game, but runs like a backline player...a rare combo🔥🔥🔥

[@ryancerfontyne5569]

Mr. Rugby.... Swear this guy was born with a rugby ball... or a rugby ball was his baby blanket.... Hats off this guy a master at his art...

[@LuisAndrade-vg1hf]

What a great player always available to represent SA in any position or competition !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Great level great heart a true warrior !!!

[@tasanalytics]

Couldn't agree more!

[@MKRM27]

Any position? Really?

[@展覧会-r7g]

日本に来てくれて本当にありがとうございます。

[@simphiwedhlamini5399]

Underated player... incredibly gifted. High work rate, and can cover centre when the Boks play a 6-2 split. A dangerous runner with ball in hand. Abit similar to Siya Kolisi, Hooper and Sam Simmons

[@robertjan002]

His IQ and reactions at the breakdown are lightspeed. And underrated quality: he never messes up or gives away penalties.

[@matthysgrobler9615]

It is a shame that Kwagga and Mostert will probably never get the credit they so deserve for being two of the hardest big engine grafters that are willing to take blows that have lesser men on the sideline for weeks and let others shine in the media with try tallies and sponsor appeal, yet still give their all in every single game!!! I suspect it is because , in this era of “ the money game” there are still those, however few who play this game of ours because they love it!!!

[@jasonyoung729]

great 7s player.

[@LuisAndrade-vg1hf]

“Swiss army knife” Just like that !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bok500]

Completely underrated. Strength of a forward and speed of back player. That is rare indeed. Always 💯 percent committed.

[@livingcolours1541]

When you got a 👃 like that. You have been in the trenches. A warrior and some.

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

he looks like a boxer

[@ZALevi]

Another great one mate! I actually don't rate Wiese that much for the boks as of yet. I feel like we dropped Kwagga prematurely from the starting lineup. But I can also see the value he brings off the bench when the players have tired as well. The boks really need a backup for Duane looking ahead at the next World Cup. I wouldn't count him out.

[@tasanalytics]

Thanks man, appreciate it! Yes I totally agree, I would like to see Kwagga and Wiese both get equal chance to compete for that backup spot. I think with Kwagga, he's been very unlucky to be on a team with the players we have. It makes it extremely difficult to get starting time. I think his versatility gives him the upper hand at the moment but Wiese is steadily getting better and better with each game. Will be interesting to see what happens at that position in the future

[@divad8727]

Honestly prefer Marcel Coetzee to Wiese.

[@ShaunGrobler-tu9qo]

Evan Roos will be a great back up. He keeps develop and stay healthy.

[@darrenleroux2034]

Absolute machine!

[@bronzemen34]

He’s got heart And he’s a good player…….

[@joebroadbeef332]

This guy is the Human Stoffel The Honey Badger!!!!

[@peterdeagrella3035]

Great player

[@seruvakawaletabua1031]

Very productive player. If he was in NZ or Aussie he would have the 7 jersey.

[@bennierheeder7015]

He made 15/15 tackles in the short time he was on in the 3rd test against the B&IL. Beast!

[@anfg7376]

because you had no possession so obvs he made tackles

[@bennierheeder7015]

@@anfg7376 yea. 15 out of 15. impressive

[@anfg7376]

@@bennierheeder7015 u missed more tackles..made less yards...had less possession....yet due to poor tactics and the wrong bloody team from start u eeeked out a win

[@divad8727]

@@anfg7376 and u…… LOST🤣🤣

[@anfg7376]

@@divad8727 at what diva?

[@gonzalorubilar634]

I think it would be interesting to see him play in the midfield instead of flanker/8, at least for me makes sense considering his size and speed

[@Crimsonfate]

My favourite springbok

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

you can see in his face he was probably in some fights in his life. looks like a very tough guy

[@gibean]

as much as i love kwagga, he is still one track minded for my liking sometimes ... counterrucking at all times regardless of situation and refs ... Vermeulen is better not because of numbers of counterrucks but the timing of it and situational awareness ... having kwagga against allblacks could be detrimental cause he will leave open spaces because of being too determined to chase that counter rucks

[@tasanalytics]

Yeah but I also think it has to do with how he plays in Japan, the refs on that side are way more lenient at the breakdown and give players time to compete. That is not always the case in International rugby. I just think he needs more playing time to get some consistency in those areas. But that is very hard when you got Vermeulen in front of you!

[@siphomnisi3842]

@@tasanalytics tbh the All Blacks have been known for having biased refereeing

[@roblouw3038]

Yes - the nowhere man BUT actually the EVERYWHERE man - never concedes penalties despite getting into the hot zone in all mauls and rucks - Rassie has one stat that Kwagga always tops and that is how many significant impact plays per 5 minute time block -

[@marcuscruize3317]

Huge fan of kwagga ever since u20 level. In an ideal world id have him play at 7 alongside schalk burger at 6 and dwane vermeulen at 8. Realistically he didnt quite work at 8 however if vermeulen was fit he would fit well in at 6 with psdt at 7 possibly our best loosie combo but I dont see them starting our captain on the bench. For now I see great value in playing kwagga from the bench, with van staden injured there is a bit of a mini crisis in our loosies department. I dont really rate wiese that much I like his energy and enthusiasm but pretty obvious that his learning on the job at test level because of lack of debt.

[@tasanalytics]

Yeah, he's an amazing player. He's a bit unlucky that South Africa is blessed with the talent we have in the loosie department. But I do think his versatility is very valuable to the boks because of him being able to play any position in the loose. And even though we don't see his attacking as much on the international stage, his defensive work rate is still amazing and he contributes a lot. I think he's extremely valuable to come of the bench. As for Wiese, I think he's actually done quite well these last couple of games. He had a rocky start with the start of the B&I Lions but has since been one of the performers. But like you said, he's learning on the job 😂 but at least he's showing improvement.

[@shaunlottering2500]

Great vid next Rohan janse van rensburg vid please

[@tasanalytics]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I have a few lined up before I make a new schedule of potential players. Rohan has been requested before so I'll keep that in mind and probably add him on top of the list. I'll try to do it in this month.

[@comecome_ch]

速いし強い！

[@nox6885]

Good player, not international standard for me. Should've continued playing 7s but I get it, people want to play for the Boks. He's strengths are nullified at international level so what's the point. 87 kgs is miniscule as a backrower. I would have loved seeing him being tried at 12 in an ideal world, but that's just me.

[@tasanalytics]

I think his good enough for international rugby. He is not as small as people think, I actually think his size is perfect for his gamestyle, that's what makes him so effective at the breakdown. I think the problem is that it's hard to get any starting time with the current players ahead of him for the springboks. That's not a knock on him, that says more about the talent we have in the loosies

[@Crimsonfate]

He’s definitely not 87 kegs

[@nox6885]

@@Crimsonfate I didn't weigh him mate. Just stating the last time I saw his weight. If you trust Wikipedia, they say 95 kg. Still, for a guy who is expected to tackle all day, that must take a toll. Never mind him being a ball carrier too. Franco Mostert hardly makes any head way when carrying. I digress though, I don't think he is good enough. Loved him in Super Rugby though for the Lions.

[@leonscheepers5350]

I've always rated him

[@Clutchtheclownz]

Workhorse

[@Qulize]

1:25 Wtf thats actually impressive. Hoe many metres was that? 10? Jfc this man is a machine.

[@bobovanzyl3008]

Yster!

[@bbviljoen1153]

Lekker Lydenburg! 😜

[@aarontimbwah9626]

The fastest forward in rugby 😅he gassed naholo once

[@divad8727]

Jesus Christ! He’s always looking to attack the ball. Whether it be contesting a ruck or ripping it in open play. We haven’t had one those in SA since Brussow.

[@meta4282]

almost like a Danie Gerber, but in his own way.

[@theconsigliere6329]

Not fitting the Bok game plan yet. He should just be a third choice opensider after Siya and Marco. Blindside: PSDT, FRANCO, J Du Preez 8thman: Duane, Jasper, D Du Preez

[@KiwiGraggle]

The Swiss Army knife that only knows how to do one thing. Not so Swiss Army knife afterall a.

[@anthonydavids]

Kwagga is not physical enough for me in 15 man game, in sevens rugby he is the man and we needed him at the Olympics. He gets tackle backwards and Jasper Wiese not there yet either. Come back to sevens where you play your best rugby.

[@Wxlker_Dl]

You got a good point there

[@peterdeagrella3035]

I don’t agree he is a good player

[@canadiancontent352]

Its sad that this is true, but only because rugby has become too brutal, slow and dire.

[@anthonydavids]

He is a good player but not good enough, he's fast but he doesn't have the brute strength that is needed in the 15 man game.He was shown up in the Lion series. I like him but he must play the Sevens game for which he is famous for.

[@arnovanbiljon8707]

You said what?

[@dirttracker7376]

Terrible music, only got a third of the way in... & he's my favorite player.

[@johanventer5730]

How sad that a man with so much talent must play for money for such a useless club. If only Sa were rich and hi could of played in Sa...

[@anfg7376]

v average

[@tywoods7234]

Oh please. Average player at best.

[@danemyburgh]

That sodium in your diet needs to be contained brother. Nice opinion though!

[@nelsonbenjamin4754]

Leave Kwagga at nr7 for Boks while PSDT is out, awesome versatile player, watch him reading the game🤔

[@tywoods7234]

@@danemyburgh losing that 1st game was because Kwagga was the weak link. Getting smashed around like you’re a punching bag does not make you a great player.

[@danemyburgh]

@@tywoods7234 All players have bad games. That perhaps was not one of his best. Kwagga has had plenty of great gameplay in 7's and the 15 man game. He's no Duane Vermuelen at number 8 but overall he's a great player. Again, that's your opinion dude just like I've given mine.

[@tywoods7234]

@@danemyburgh he’s a great player to have when you don’t have better available. But when you have Marcel Coetzee, du Preez twins, Van Staden available and you still select him? What a joke. You must be a Golden Lions supporter, looking through those one eyed tinted glasses.