Kwagga Smith backs Johan Ackermann to win titles with the Bulls

Smith and Ackermann have a lengthy shared history. The duo were part of some of the Lions’ best days with Ackermann as coach and Smith making a name for himself in 15s. They experienced the joy of reaching three Super Rugby finals (2016 - 2018) and the anguish of losing all three.

Ackermann’s talents earned him a post a Gloucester, while Swiss Army Knife Smith was finally called up to the Springbok squad.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Boks’ clash against Georgia on Saturday, Smith looked back fondly on his time with Ackermann at the Lions and backed him to bring the best out of the Bulls.

"He is a brilliant coach," said Smith of his old mentor.

"I enjoyed working with him. I was a youngster and played under him for a long time. We were unlucky not to get a Super Rugby title, but he’s a really good coach," Smith told reporters at the team hotel in Mbombela.

"He is a coach who has that ability to get a group of people together, all aligned for the same goal. And that is important.

"And I think he will make a success of his career at the Bulls. The players that are there are brilliant, and he will be able to get them aligned and hopefully win a few trophies. I am excited to see him there and how he does."