Smit: Bok pack to stand their ground

South Africa's forwards can't afford to take a single step backwards if they are to be a real threat at World Cup next year.

John Smit, who held aloft the Webb Ellis Cup at the 2007 World Cup in France, spoke to rugby365 editor Jan de Koning about the requirements for a successful campaign in England next year.

And, like most pundits, the now retired former Bok skipper pointed to the set pieces and said the pack will have to stand their ground for seven weeks if SA are to become the first country to win the World Cup for a third time.

His views come in the wake of the embarrassing performances of the Bok tight forwards in the first two rounds of the Rugby Championship, especially in the scrum - where they were repeatedly shunted back, up to 10 metres at a time.

Smit said a good kicking game will also be required, but foremost it is up to the tight forwards to lay a solid foundation.