The Cheetahs’ inspirational captain Juan Smith is set to miss South Africa’s defence of the World Cup, after he tore an Achilles tendon.
Smith, who left the field inside the first two minutes of the Cheetahs 23-25 loss to the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Friday, will undergo surgery early next week.
He is likely to be sidelined for between six to nine months, almost certainly ruling him out of the World Cup in New Zealand in September and October.
Cheetahs backline coach Hawies Fourie confirmed the bad news to rugby365.com on Saturday, adding that fellow flank Frans Viljoen tore his hamstring and also faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“We’ve had a really bad run,” Fourie said, adding: “With Juan [Smith], Adriaan [Strauss] and Frans Viljoen all long-term injuries.
“It is really tough when you lose three such quality players in one week.”
Smith, who is likely to undergo surgery on Monday or Tuesday, had just returned from a calf strain which ruled him out of the Cheetahs’ opening round loss to the Sharks.
He also went through a tough 2010, missing most of the year through injuries and personal problems.
The exact length of his lay-off will only be determined once he goes under the knife.
“It will be a lengthy lay-off,” Fourie told rugby365.com, adding: “I can’t say how long, but those type of injuries are usually [a lay-off of between] six to nine months.
“Yes, there is a chance that he could miss the World Cup.”
The length of Viljoen’s lay-off still has to be determined as well, but it looks like four to six weeks with a torn hamstring.
The Cheetahs lost another key player, and captain, earlier this week.
Springbok hooker and stand-in captain Adriaan Strauss underwent surgery to repair the damage to a fractured bone in his hand.
He will be sidelined for between four to six weeks.
Article Courtesy of Rugby365 Editor Jan De Koning
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SAD news this.
It would be interesting to see who takes his place in teh Boks squad.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) : you assuming he would have been chosen for the bok squad. Plenty of cover in those positions!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) : it’s an easy answer: our own Big Vic.
It’s never nice hearing terrible news and I hope Juan has a quick recovery.
@Rahul (Comment 2) :
If he was physically fit he would have been the starting 7 no doubt about that.
I’m not saying he is the best. I’m saying he would have started.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) : i was thinking his lack of game time recently would count against him, unless he could have shown p de vil something special. Not to be anyway!
That sucks 🙁
THIS REALLY SUCKS! The poor Cheetahs are going to have a long season imo. Get well soon Juan!
I hope Willem Alberts will be his replacement 😉
@mikey (Comment 8) : Me 2! 🙂