Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein – Free State will probably know on Monday whether they can use inspirational captain and Springbok flank Juan Smith in the coming weekend’s Currie Cup match against the Pumas.

Smith took a hard knock to the head in Free State’s 13-25 defeat to the Sharks at Vodacom Park on Saturday and his team had to cope without him for the best part of the second half.

The Bok, who recently underwent groin operations and withdrew himself from South Africa’s Tri-Nations tour because of the death of his father, will be available for the home leg of the Southern Hemisphere competition.

South Africa’s first home match is on August 21 against the All Blacks at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Smith played for the Cheetahs to stay fit and should he be utilised by the Boks, Saturday’s clash against the Pumas in Witbank will probably be his last chance for a while to play for Free State.

Meanwhile, Springbok spokesperson Anthony Mackaiser has said that the Bok team for the home games in the Tri-Nations will probably be announced on Saturday.

The Boks will convene on August 15 to start training for the match.

The Boks struggled in this year’s Tri-Nations and coach Peter de Villiers may well be eager to use Smith.

He regained his best form quickly after recovering from his injury.

Free State coach Naka Drotské said that Smith’s injury had not looked serious and there will be more clarity on Monday.

“After Juan left the field, we did not attack much and spent most of the time defending,” said Drotské.