John Smit to miss EOYT

[TRF_Olyy]

after undergoing surgery on his back:
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12321_6393614,00.html


His absence will strengthen the bok forwards, and will give a different player an opportunity to play at international level before the WC. Can't see a downside to it (for SA fans)

 

[Teh Mite]

Presumably Du Plissis will be shoehorned in. Either that or they can forget having anything rezsembling a set piece and bring in Brits! :lol:

 

[Feicarsinn]

Aw crap, one of the bigger weaknesses in the Bokke armoury gone.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I could imagine them bringing Brits in, they used some of the NH based boks (read: Saracens) in the summer didn't they?

 

[Teh Mite]

After Butch James' exploits though, I imagine the SANZAR propaganda machine against anybody who goes to "that inferior north" will make sure none of the Boks based in Europe will get a game any time soon.

 

[Teh Mite]

Especially as this has just come out:

Bath have confirmed they are seeking compensation from South Africa Rugby for the injury sustained by their star fly-half Butch James.
The 30-year-old Springbok damaged his right shoulder while on Tri Nations duty and will be out until November.
"We're making enquiries because when he's injured elsewhere there's a responsibility to look after him," said performance director Sir Ian McGeechan.
"We're now monitoring him here following a successful operation."
McGeechan continued: "He's already back with the players but we feel there is a responsibility to take when and where those injuries occur."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/bath/9024807.stm

 

[Seaton]

Smit and other senior players were always going to rested for this tour, which is probably why he has had this surgery, otherwise he would have gone.

 

[User1245]

That's right. It's been an open secret that Juan Smith is gonna lead the Boks on their EOYT.

Didn't know John need surgery though. I think the rest will do him well.

 

[Shaggy]

Especially as this has just come out:

Bath have confirmed they are seeking compensation from South Africa Rugby for the injury sustained by their star fly-half Butch James.
The 30-year-old Springbok damaged his right shoulder while on Tri Nations duty and will be out until November.
"We're making enquiries because when he's injured elsewhere there's a responsibility to look after him," said performance director Sir Ian McGeechan.
"We're now monitoring him here following a successful operation."
McGeechan continued: "He's already back with the players but we feel there is a responsibility to take when and where those injuries occur."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/bath/9024807.stm

All more reason why the international players having to play in their country, to be eligible for national selection (such as the New Zealand system), is a good one ... none of this who's responsible for an injury nonsense, or whether a club should release a player for national duty/training or not.

 

[squirrel]

good riddance to bad rubbish i say

 

[Intercept King JDV]

With Tiaan Liebenberg of WP out injured, I would like to see Bismarck du Plessis and Gary Botha as the hookers going on tour but instead our "wonderful" selection committee will probably choose Chilliboy and Maku

 

[Seaton]

I wonder what the chances are of Chilliboy actually being named as captain for this tour?

Would be quite funny I think.

 

[nickdnz]

Gary Botha would be my choice of a replacement. I can see NH based players being given a shot, seeing as there is a window for players to be releaced for their national teams during the EoYT/Autumn Test Series. It will also mean those players get cheap travel, so I can see players like Steyn or even Brits getting a test or so. I really hope Jongi Nokwe gets another crack. He's so talented, but doesn't get many shots internationally. Much like the glorious Hosea Gear.