Tri Nations winners: Springboks (front) Ryan Kankowski, Ruan Pienaar, Frans Steyn, (back) Heinrich Brussow and Jannie du Plessis
"It's been a huge year for us and to top it off with a recognition like this, to secure the top prize is massive. It was a huge ambition of many of the guys to beat the British & Irish Lions, it was a goal to be victorious so that was a great highlight for us during the year," said Smit.
"I'm very proud to be associated with these guys, it has become a family of guys and hopefully we can keep it going for another two years."
"It has been a compelling year of international rugby. South Africa have demonstrated this year exactly why they are world champions, winning the Tri Nations and a truly memorable Lions series,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
Previous Winners of IRB Team of the Year
2001 - Australia
2002 - France
2003 - England
2004 - South Africa
2005 - New Zealand
2006 - New Zealand
2007 - South Africa
2008 - New Zealand
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