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Smit prop trial doomed - Rogers

Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Saturday, 8 November Kick-off: 1430 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC One, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra & online. Highlights on Scrum V, BBC Two (Sunday, 1800 GMT). Live text commentary on BBC Sport website.

John Smit usually plays at hooker for the Springboks
John Smit usually plays at hooker for the Springboks

Ex-Wales prop Peter Rogers says South Africa have made a mistake in selecting John Smit at prop instead of his usual position of hooker for Saturday's Test.

Rogers won 18 caps for Wales, including their only Test success over the Springboks, a 29-19 win in June 1999.

He has also propped against Smit in their youth rugby days in South Africa.

"In '94 I played against John when he was a tight-head and unless things have changed dramatically Gethin Jenkins has a real opportunity," Rogers said.

"John was part of the Natal development team and I was part of the Transvaal development team," added Rogers, speaking on Scrum V Radio.

606: DEBATE
"I know for a fact he started his career as a tight-head prop and switched to hooker, so that says enough in itself.

"They've looked at him and he's a big, powerful lad - he's probably fantastic in the gym, fantastic on the track and well-conditioned.

"But to be a tight-head prop you need more than that.

"It's an ideal opportunity to attack, with the scrum being used as a weapon these days they've got a fantastic opportunity to go for the South African pack."

Blues prop Jenkins starts at loose-head for Wales, with Adam Jones anchoring the home scrum on the other side and set to win his 50th cap.

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see also
Wales' rugby fixtures
26 Jun 07 |  Welsh
Wales rugby results archive
15 Oct 03 |  Welsh
Mighty Boks: South African rugby
01 Oct 08 |  Rugby Union
BBC Sport Wales coverage
28 Oct 08 |  Wales


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