From Supersport:
Juan Smith is the latest veteran of the 2007 Springbok World Cup winning squad to be recalled to the national team.
The French based Smith, who has not played for the Boks since 2010, was called up to the squad on Wednesday as a replacement for his former teammate Victor Matfield, who has been ruled out of the first Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Pretoria on 16 August with a knee cartilage injury.
In explaining the selection, coach Heyneke Meyer said that Smith will act as cover for both lock and loose-forward.(Rather play Alberts at lock before Juan. Alberts is not a bad lock and at 120 kg has the necessary grunt)
“Juan has played lock before in his career and won an Under-21 World Cup in that position, but he also covers flank and No 8,” said Meyer.
“I have spoken to him on various occasions and he’s comfortable with playing in the second row again if the need arises. However, as a number of our loose forwards have had a very high work load this season, it’s good to have someone such as Juan who can also provide cover in those positions.”
The position where Smith has played most of his 69 test matches for South Africa is No 7 flank, and his presence in the squad will add considerable depth to that position and he would appear to be the perfect back-up to Willem Alberts (Oh no - Alberts must not start) now that Schalk Burger is unavailable because of his Japanese commitments.
Smith’s recall to the squad for the first time during the Meyer era as Bok coach completes a fairytale comeback for Smith, who missed the 2011 World Cup year because of injury and was then ruled out of 2012 as well. The then Free Stater retired from rugby after being advised by medical experts, but then started a tentative comeback with Toulon last year.
Smith has steadily regained his old abilities and was highly regarded by his teammates for his role in Toulon’s successful 2013/2014 campaign in both the France and Europe. He was probably the best in the world in his position when he last played for the Boks so if he regains that form he will prove a significant boost to the Bok chances of success. (Agreed the oprative word is if but its worth a shot)
“Juan is a brilliant exponent in the lineouts and will bring experience and leadership to the squad. We wanted to involve him in June as I really want to work with him, but he was not 100% fit and he asked not to be considered,” said Meyer.
“He has been in sublime form and recently won the very tough French Top 14 league and the Heineken Cup with Toulon. I’ve always held him in very high esteem and I know he will add value to our squad.”
We shall see.
