Share

Smith deals Boks RWC blow

Bloemfontein - Cheetahs captain Juan Smith appears set to miss South Africa's defence of their Rugby World Cup title after tearing his Achilles tendon.

Smith left the field inside the first two minutes of the Cheetahs 25-22 Vodacom Super Rugby defeat to the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Friday, and will undergo surgery early next week.

He is likely to be sidelined for between six to nine months, almost certainly ruling him out of the World Cup in New Zealand starting on September 9.

Cheetahs backline coach Hawies Fourie confirmed the news to Rugby365's Jan de Koning, adding that fellow flank Frans Viljoen tore his hamstring and also faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Smith had just returned from a calf strain which ruled him out of the Cheetahs' 24-9 Week 1 loss to the Sharks in Durban.

The Cheetahs lost another key player earlier this week when Springbok hooker and stand-in captain Adriaan Strauss underwent surgery to repair a fractured bone in his hand.

He is expected to be sidelined for between four to six weeks.

The Cheetahs travel to Cape Town to face the Stormers next Saturday in Week 3 of the tournament.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE