Smith passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning due to heart failure in the Strand where he resided.
He was a scrumhalf and played 7 tests between 1963 and 1965 and he also represented the Orange Free State as a player in the Currie Cup.
In 1976 Smith, along with Sakkie van Zyl coached the Orange Free State to their first ever Currie Cup title when they beat Western Province 38-16 in Bloemfontein.
He also coached the Free State Cheetahs in the Super 10 rugby tournament in the early 1990’s.
Known as a master tactician, he coached the Springboks to 13 wins in 15 test matches between 1980 and 1981.
His 80% win ratio which was equalled by Cecil Moss and only bettered by another for Springbok captain, Felix du Plessis (father of Springbok great and captain, Morné du Plessis) and the late Kitch Christie, who had a 100% record.
Christie lead the Springboks to the first of their two Rugby World Cup title in 1995 when they beat the All Blacks 15-12.
In a statement issued by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) on Monday, SA Rugby president said Smith was only of the best to have played and served the game.
“Oom Nelie was one of the best. It is only a selected few who played for, captained and coached the Springboks and he was one of those. His rugby knowledge was massive and he has touched the lives of thousands of players over the many years he coached.”
Smith would have turned 82 on Sunday 8 May.
Smith is survived by daughters Carin, Annien and son Cornelius. – MORGAN PIEK