Cheetahs’ skipper Juan Smith hopeful to participate in forthcoming Rugby World Cup – Rugby News
The Cheetahs’ captain Juan Smith is hopeful to participate in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup on September 9, as he was ruled out of Super Rugby due an achilles injury during the early rounds of ongoing league.
He underwent achilles surgery during the same week as he sustained it playing against the Bulls.
Smith had sustained a severe blow right in start of this year’s season and was straightaway ruled out, after playing just for two minutes, on March 4.
Juan Smith is the member of South African rugby team and also plays for Cheetahs in Super Rugby championship. The Cheetahs’ doctor Ian Morris suggested that he takes six months rest and asked him to restart his game in August.
Smith made his international debut in 2003 for South Africa, against Scotland as they won that match by 29-25. He was also included in national side for the World Cup 2003 played in Australia. He participated in four matches of the mega event but could not
impress the selector as he scored just one try against the weaker side of Manu Samoa. Juan was given just one chance in 2004 to play a test match against Wales, as a reserve player.
While Juan made his Super Rugby debut for Cheetahs as captain in 2006 and led the side from the front. His side performed well during the season. They performed reasonably well as comparing with other new teams, as Juan played key role in South Africa’s
victory of the World Cup in 2007. If he fails to recover his from achilles injury it will be a huge set-back for his national side. South Africa will defend their title in New Zealand this year as the World Cup is kicking off on September 9.
There were rumours about his unavailability for the mega event because the severity of his injury. He was feared to take nine months to recover but the team doctor had given him the hope of being fit before the world’s largest event. Morris told the media
that although the injury is of severe nature but hopefully it will get better within six months.
Morris said, "Juan is a hard worker and he gives 100% in everything he does, and I believe he will do the same during his rehabilitation, so I am confident he will be able to play." He further said that, "He will be able to play in August and the World Cup
starts at the beginning of September.”
Smith is an important member of his team and their coach Peter de Villiers wants to avail from his vast international experience. Smith has reiterated his determination to perform well in the coming Rugby World Cup.
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