John Smit scrums down with Sunday Times readers

You and Victor Matfield were born in Polokwane. Did you miss parading the Webb Ellis trophy there? — Tumelo Moila, Muwaweni

(Laughs). My mother lives there and she wasn’t happy either. It would have been nice, but there was only so much time. I’m happy we ended up at most major centres.

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When did you realise the magnitude of the achievement of winning the World Cup? — Sifiso Mdhladhla, Soweto

There was an awesome satisfaction on the day, but that was nothing compared to the reaction of South African people on our return. It was almost intimidating, the amazing energy, the mania of it all. After arriving we took a two-day break. Then it was the road show, which just got bigger and bigger. It finished at Newlands and that blew our minds. Jeepers! It was four days of mayhem.

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Ronaldo said winning the Fifa World Cup with Brazil was better than sex. Do you agree? — MJ Ramphomane, Carletonville

(Laughs). I wouldn’t go so far. There are a lot of good things in life and it’s great if you enjoy all of them as much as sex and winning trophies. The last time I felt such elation [as winning the World Cup] was when my daughter, Emma-Joan, was born. I couldn’t talk. And just remember, there’s good sex and bad sex.

Ramphomane wins R500 for this week’s best question.

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When you were waiting to receive the cup you had a smile on your face of pure contentment. What were you thinking at that moment? — Stephen Dunkley, Clarens

It had taken such a long time to get to that moment. I was so nervous. I know it was the biggest smile of my entire life. At that moment I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. What a feeling.

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What is the formula for winning the Rugby World Cup? — Elkanah Sikhathi, Pretoria

There is one, but it’s not like e>mc². Past victories in World Cups were built on similar things — the main is talent and experience, enthusiasm and flair. Every winning team had a solid core. You must excite the world and have a go. You also need structure, a plan to stick to. Timing too. We were lucky, although I think a four-year build-up is too long. We had a great year, then a good one, then a disgusting one before we picked up again. That disgusting year saved us because we realised what we needed to be successful.

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Which was more euphoric, the final whistle against England, lifting the Webb Ellis trophy or landing at OR Tambo International airport? — Sylvia Mogogole, Mabopane

The final whistle. I can’t describe it. I remember standing at the ruck and watching the ball go out. Alain Rolland, the ref, took his time, watching the ball go out of play before he blew full time. I dropped to my knees, I couldn’t do anything for a few seconds. I hugged the poor ref. It’s like having kids — you don’t know how much it changes your life.

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Merit or quota selection? — GR Khunoane, Ga-rankuwa

Merit.

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The last 20 minutes against Fiji were crucial. What went through your mind and what was said to the team ? — Abdullah Khan, Cape Town

I knew the first 20 minutes were touch and go. But then we got to 20-6 up and they had 14 men. I felt if we put the squeeze on we’d be fine. But things changed and it got to 20-20. I had to think on my feet, big time. We didn’t have to panic, it became a Test 20 minutes long. I remember telling the guys if they didn’t want to be sitting in the stands they should go and play. I was more vocal, my language was colourful, a bit French actually.

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Were you included in the tactical planning by the technical staff? — Solly Khumalo, Ivory Park

Yes, but not just me. It was often up to 10 players.

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Do you perform any rituals before and after a game and are you superstitious? — Vuyani Pule, Johannesburg

To a degree. I always wear black underjocks. I always have a Red Bull before a game. I’ve got 70-odd caps and from the very first one, I kissed the Springbok on the jersey both before and afterwards. I have to kiss the Bok.

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What’s your view of the incident involving the drunk supporter, Bryan Habana and the trophy at Newlands stadium? — David Mohlokoana, Kenilworth

I didn’t see it . I’d prefer if it hadn’t happened. I suppose alcohol and excitement can lead to these things. It’s those sort of people you have to look out for with 2010 around the corner.

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Has Butana Komphela called to congratulate you guys on your victory? — Desireen Maistry, Phoenix

I have no idea, I haven’t been taking calls the past few days.

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What did you say to the guys at halftime to inspire them to glory? — Edward Mdlongwa, Grahamstown

The biggest message going into the semifinal was that we had one hand on the cup. Before the final I said it was time to put our other hand on the cup. At halftime we were in control. I told the guys: “It’s time, the more we play the worse they look. Keep going. Guys, four years’ bloody hard work comes down to these 40 minutes.� They all realised how much they had put in. After the 40, they wouldn’t get another minute.

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Will you write a “tell all� book about your career? — Gordon Upton. Eastern Cape

There’s lots of pressure to do so. Everyone wants to write it with me. I think it should be done, but I want to be honest and for people to read it and say: “That’s John.� My parents should read it and react as if we’ve just had a conversation over dinner.

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What gym training should I do to bulk up like you? — Magosi Magakwe, Germiston

I was born massive. I was 105kg in standard eight and had a size 12 shoe in standard six. I played prop for the first XV aged 15. I’m a big believer in gym and enjoy it. But I can’t give you any tips on bulking up — I’ve spent recent years trying to “bulk down�.