It is believed that Springbok Captain John Smit has torn the ligaments in his shoulder and could miss the Rugby World Cup.
Smit left the field late during the Springboks’ 9 – 14 defeat at the hands of Australia.
If the injury is confirmed it will open the door for Bulls captain Victor Matfield to lead the Springboks to New Zealand during the 2011 RWC.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers would not be drawn on the extent of the injury only being prepared to comment that it will be assessed in the next day or so adding that Danie Rossouw and Francois Steyn also sustained injuries during the loss.
I hope John Smit is not injured an has to miss world cup. He played like a true champion tonight against Aussies an we will surely miss him as our Bok Captain. It was awesome at Kings Park tonight!!!!
We will be fine. John’s greatest asset is his leadership. If he can’t play, he will still go as squad captain, and Bissie and Chilliboy will tear it up on the field.
All the best Barney!
@Big Fish (Comment 3) : As squad Captain? Meaning we have a non playing Captain on tour? Will he be considered one of the 30?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) : maybe he can go as a couch
@Franshark (Comment 5) :
I guess he is big enough for that.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) :
Poor speculation on my part: I think that if he can’t play, he will still go along as the “unofficial” captain. Maybe they will create a position for him on the staff if necessary.
But we don’t even know for sure yet if he is out. Let’s hope not.
Hope Smit is alright Matfield gets to worked up in tight games
Hope Smit is okay. If not still hope he makes it as off field captain. Heck we can’t go to battle without him.
He played very well tonight.
All the very best Smitty.
Don’t take notice of of the daft comments on keo. Some bloggers are just shameful there with their wishful injury comments.
Good luck John. Really hope you make this wc. On the field, on the bench or even on the side lines. You just have to go with this team.
@Big Fish (Comment 6) : I guess he is big enough for that.
@Franshark (Comment 5) : @Big Fish (Comment 6) :
@Franshark (Comment 5) : @Big Fish (Comment 6) : @KSA Shark © (Comment 9) : I always thought the lyrics to that Whitney Houston song was “I believe the children are out furniture”. When somebody pointed out my mistake I was so surprised I almost fell off my 4-cub-scouts couch.
OK maybe they can use him as a coach…
@Culling Song (Comment 11) :
@Franshark (Comment 12) :
We will be even more screwed with Victoria as captain.
@Culling Song (Comment 11) :
Somewhere out there is a Grant10 busy rubbing his hands in glee