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Captain In The Cauldron: The John Smit Story
Autobiography of the South African rugby captain John Smit. Paperback. 8vo. 291pp. Good condition.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 6, 2010
Yes. I read a rugby biography. I'm not proud.
Smit is the current captain of South Africa's Springboks, and the man who led them to victories in the World Cup, the Tri-Nations (against ultra-rivals New Zealand and Australia) and against the British & Irish Lions (picture the team that won the Super Bowl facing up against an all star team cherry-picked from the rest of the NFL).
A rugby captain has a lot more responsibility than captains in other sports, and as Smit says, a South African captain has to deal with a lot more politics than captains of other countries do. Smit has dealt with it all with grace. Even his tell-all treats just about everyone involved with respect.
Anyway, it's certainly not literature, but it was an engaging read for a loopy fan like me.
Smit is the current captain of South Africa's Springboks, and the man who led them to victories in the World Cup, the Tri-Nations (against ultra-rivals New Zealand and Australia) and against the British & Irish Lions (picture the team that won the Super Bowl facing up against an all star team cherry-picked from the rest of the NFL).
A rugby captain has a lot more responsibility than captains in other sports, and as Smit says, a South African captain has to deal with a lot more politics than captains of other countries do. Smit has dealt with it all with grace. Even his tell-all treats just about everyone involved with respect.
Anyway, it's certainly not literature, but it was an engaging read for a loopy fan like me.
September 29, 2019
An open and honest account of a rugby legend. Smit says it like it is, is respectful and insightful but doesn't hold back his own views. A good record of the contribution of a great South African.
September 15, 2016
Actually really enjoyed this book. He doesn't come across as arrogant or self-righteous which is hard in an auto-biography. A legend of the game and some great insight into the Jake White and PdV years. I like John and think the Boks really need a another captain like him right about now...
June 19, 2011
A very inspiritional book on leadership and I connected John to a Level 5 Leader as described in the Book Good to Great.
A very worthwhile read if you understand the context of South African Rugby, the history of the country and off the field politics involved for people who's focus is to play professional rugby, yet have to manage all the rubbish off the field.
John you're my hero.
A very worthwhile read if you understand the context of South African Rugby, the history of the country and off the field politics involved for people who's focus is to play professional rugby, yet have to manage all the rubbish off the field.
John you're my hero.
April 1, 2013
You will not find a better rugby book on any bookshelf. A must read for any sports fan.
July 28, 2014
Mildly interesting. John Smit likes polishing old vintage cars and Luke Watson is a box.
May 19, 2025
A well written book about the Springbok captain.
August 31, 2015
really inspiring. I think John comes with a fresh breath of humility into such an ego driven sport.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews