Cape Town - Juan Smith says he's injury-free and raring to go for the Springboks in the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Smith, 33, was on Wednesday included as cover for the injured Victor Matfield in the Bok squad ahead of next weekend’s opener against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld.
Smith last played for the Springboks in 2010 before an Achilles injury in early 2011 looked certain to cut short his career.
However, he made a remarkable recovery for French club Toulon this past European season, helping them win the French Top 14 as well as the European (Heineken) Cup.
Smith spoke to Volksblad on Wednesday and assured fans he’s ready should Bok coach Heyneke Meyer give him game time.
“I am injury free and ready to take my chance, should I be lucky enough to be picked again.”
Smith revealed that the troublesome Achilles is completely healed and he only had a few shoulder niggles after a gruelling season with the French champions.
“Due to the fact that you have to commit a lot of tackles at the breakdown area in the French Top 14, both my shoulders were sore after our season. But I feel refreshed now and my shoulders are fine.”
Look who rocked up at #Springbok training this morning! - South African Rugby
Smith, 33, was on Wednesday included as cover for the injured Victor Matfield in the Bok squad ahead of next weekend’s opener against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld.
Smith last played for the Springboks in 2010 before an Achilles injury in early 2011 looked certain to cut short his career.
However, he made a remarkable recovery for French club Toulon this past European season, helping them win the French Top 14 as well as the European (Heineken) Cup.
Smith spoke to Volksblad on Wednesday and assured fans he’s ready should Bok coach Heyneke Meyer give him game time.
“I am injury free and ready to take my chance, should I be lucky enough to be picked again.”
Smith revealed that the troublesome Achilles is completely healed and he only had a few shoulder niggles after a gruelling season with the French champions.
“Due to the fact that you have to commit a lot of tackles at the breakdown area in the French Top 14, both my shoulders were sore after our season. But I feel refreshed now and my shoulders are fine.”
Look who rocked up at #Springbok training this morning! - South African Rugby