Losing John Smit for the rest of the overseas leg of the Tri-Nations is the worst thing that could've happened to the Springboks.
Smit will miss Saturday's second test against New Zealand and the test against Australia in two weeks time due to a groin injury sustained in their 19 - 8 loss to the All Blacks on Saturday. Smit was upended by lock Brad Thorn in the sixth minute of the match and that's where the injury came from. Thorn has subsequently been given a slap on the wrist and has been suspended for one test.
South Africa were right in the game before Smit limped off the field, but ! with all respect to Victor Matfield, it all went pear-shaped from there. Smit's leadership was sorely missed when the Springboks conceded a try early in the second half and had to withstand wave after wave of All Black attack.
Coach Peter de Villiers was quoted as saying it'll do them no good to sulk over the situation. They'll just have to back Matfield as the new team leader. The Boks are fortunate in that Matfield captained the side against Italy a few weeks ago.
Western Province hooker Schalk Brits has been flown up to New Zealand has backup for Smit.
