Achilles injury rules Juan Smith out from Rugby World Cup 2011
The Springboks have received a severe blow to their Rugby World Cup preparations as their flanker, Juan Smith, has been ruled out from the forthcoming global showpiece due to an Achilles tendon injury. Smith told reporters on August 18 that it’s too late
for him to recover from an old injury and he will not be able to participate in Rugby World Cup 2011. Smith sustained the injury during the Super Rugby season found it too hard to heal in time.
Declaring his heart breaking news, Smith further said that this was the right time to reveal the truth that he is not ready to engage in the largest event of the year. Smith added that he is having immense pain in the fractured area which is preventing him
from being part of the Springboks in RWC. He supported his ideas while saying that, “I won't be able to give everything and realise I should put my team, team-mates and the Bok fans first. I must stop lying to myself - what I've been doing these last three
weeks - and realise that I'm not ready.”
The veteran flanker was grieved with his confirmed exclusion from a dream event as he told the reporters that, “I really cannot describe how disappointed I am...immensely. The pain-level that I have been practicing with, was seven out of ten, which means
I had to endure a lot.”
Juan Smith started off his international journey with the Springboks in 2003 and has participated in two World Cups for his team. Smith was a key member of Springboks side which lifted the crown of 2007 in Paris, France. He played a vital role in his team’s
victory at number seven position and helped his side with a rock solid defense. He has earned 42 test caps for South Africa and has scored 50 points along with impressive defending skills for his side.
Smith, who leads the Cheetahs in Super Rugby championship, sustained the injury on February 25 against the Bulls in Bloemfontein. He was then suggested a rest of six to nine months to recover the injury.
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