Juan Smith out indefinitely
One of the hardest men in South African Rugby Juan Smith. Photo by Gerhard Steenkamp /Rugby15
Morgan Piek – News out of Bloemfontein this morning is that Springbok and Cheetahs flanker, Juan Smith will be taking an indefinite break from Rugby in order to recover from his Achilles tendon injury.
It’s massive blow for both the Toyota Cheetahs and the Springboks.
This news will force new Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer to go back to the drawing board and start working on plan B. Smith is undoubtedly one of the most important men in any Springbok side with his hardworking, no nonsense approach on the field.
Juan Smith missed the 2011 IRB World Cup due to the nagging injury which saw him miss the majority of the 2011 season.
Hopes and expectation ahead of the Cheetahs tour to Australasia were that Smith would have been back this coming weekend to face the MTN Lions in Bloemfontein.
The big Free Stater is one of the most experienced players in South Africa with 79 Super Rugby caps of which 43 are as captain. Smith is one of the most experienced Springbok flankers ever with 69 Test caps.
He has scored 18 tries in Super Rugby and 11 times for the Springboks in Tests.
We’re hoping his recovery goes well and also hope he does not get rushed back into Rugby until he has fully recovered.
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