John Smit misses tour of Britain and Ireland

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John Smit misses tour of Britain and Ireland
The South African Captain John Smit will miss the tour of Britain and Ireland after undergoing surgery on a persistent neck injury.
Smit underwent surgery in Durban to relieve pressure built on the discs in his neck. The operation was a success and the South African team doctor Craig Roberts said, “This was not a career threatening injury, but the timing was right for John to undergo
surgery. He will now have a prolonged period of recovery in advance of the new season.”
Smit has played 102 tests for the World champions and the Springbok has captained his country 76 times. The hooker was criticised for his form in the Tri-Nations during the summer and claims were made over his fitness. Smit will not play rugby for the next
3 months and the South African Captain will instead be put on a conditioning programme in preparation for the new season.
South Africa’s tour will start in Dublin on November 6th when the Irish rugby team will host their first international at their new home in the Aviva Stadium. The Springboks play four consecutive weeks and will travel to Wales and then Scotland
after their first match with Ireland. They will finish up their tour at Twickenham against England.
Smit will be a loss for South Africa who is their captain and leader. The hooker has been a prominent player and inspirational captain for South Africa. He has led his team to World Cup glory, won in the Lions series and has won the Tri-Nations.
Victor Matfield is likely to replace Smit as Captain of the Springboks. The tour will be a difficult exercise for South Africa after their disappointing Tri-Nations. South Africa will be looking to improve on their last series in the northern hemisphere
where they lost to Ireland.