The match, which doubles as the unofficial world championship between the southern and northern hemisphere champions, has been touted as the biggest of the European autumn series.
Smit last started a Test at hooker against England last November, but made a superb 20-minute return to the position during Saturday's 32-10 win over Italy in Udine. During that time the Boks enjoyed their best period of play in the set pieces.
With Smit moving from tighthead to hooker and the introduction of Tendai Mtawarira and BJ Botha at loosehead and tighthead respectively, the previously shaky Springbok scrum appeared rock-solid.
The Boks were earlier penalised twice by referee Alain Rolland as they disintegrated under Italian pressure. But with the new-look front row they not only stabilised, but also dominated the scrum.
It now appears that coach Peter De Villiers, possibly in consultation with Smit, has decided that the experiment of playing the skipper in the No3 shirt has run its course.
Smit has had his moments, but overall he has battled manfully to re-invent himself in the twilight of his career. It has been a typically unselfish attempt, but the captain showed on his return to the middle of the front row that he remains a world-class hooker. His first throw to the lineout was a pinpoint ball to the back, and he repeatedly found his jumpers in the final quarter. He was the best lineout thrower in the game and it appears that he still is.
De Villiers acknowledged that the scrums were under pressure against Italy in the first 60 minutes.
Craig Ray is with the Boks courtesy of Champion Tours. Contact them on 011-478-2884 or www.championtours.co.za
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Murrow