Springbok captain John Smit will take no further part in the Vodacom Tri-Nations.

[lara93]

13 July 2008 (Posted: 13:36)

Springbok captain John Smit will take no further part in the Vodacom Tri-Nations.

Smit underwent surgery in Johannesburg last week on the groin injury aggravated during the test against the All Blacks in Wellington. The surgery was successful and a recovery programme is now being instituted.

Despite being sidelined, Smit spoke of his joy Sunday at the Springboks' historic win in Dunedin.

"I have obviously been very down since I returned home, but the guys brought a smile to my face," the Bok captain said. "It was an incredible win, and vindication for all the hard work that has gone in by all involved.

"The All Blacks are formidable opponents, their home record attests to that, and winning there takes something very special. I am over the moon."

There has been no date set for Smit's return. Ongoing assessment will be undertaken by the Bok medical staff upon their return from Australia.

[lara93]

stupid brad thorn!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flamethrower]

Poor

[jargan83]

how did Brad Thorn force him to need groin surgery??
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[Swee_82]

Was injured when Thorn up-ended him the other week

[jargan83]

ahhhhh i didnt see alot of the first game.

As you were
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[Jess]

It's a huge blow to a team when they lose their captain and Smit definitely makes his presence felt on the field and I find him pretty inspirational.

But the way the boks played on the weekend and the courage and character they displayed to win in the final 5 mins shows that there is a lot of leadership depth in the team without Smit.

I think this is devastating, but they can take a lot of heart from the way they played against the all blacks and they will be pretty confident about their chances of winning the tri nations.

So lets put 100 points on them on Saturday night and show them who's boss.

[Swee_82]

Jess, I hope you're available to deliver that pep talk to the boys later in the week

[Jess]

I'm always available for pep talks.

[prop53]

should have stayed in Europe

[jargan83]

Jess i love where your heads at with that. Captain rubbed out, time to rub salt into the wound
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