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Smit out for two months?
02/01/2008 21:35 - (SA)
Clermont-Ferrand, France - South Africa's World Cup winning captain John Smit could be out for up to two months after injuring his right knee in training with his French club Clermont it was revealed on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old hooker did not rupture his ligaments but the club fear that scans either on Friday or Monday will confirm that he will miss several pivotal matches in the European Cup and the French championship in which they are presently second, two points behind leaders Toulouse.
"He was injured when he was badly tackled during training on Wednesday," the club manager Jean-Marc Lhermet told AFP.
Clermont - the only side to inflict defeat on Toulouse this season when they beat them 21-17 in the final match of last year - resume their title challenge at home to Auch on Saturday and that is followed by two vital matches in the European Cup against Irish giants Munster and Welsh outfit Llanelli.
The French side still have a chance of making the last eight as they trail tabletoppers Munster by just four points with reigning champions Wasps in second place three points ahead of Clermont.
Stephen Nell of Die Burger reports that a number of experts included Smit in their World XV after the World Cup tournament but that he has always struggled to convince sceptical local supporters that he is the best hooker in South Africa.
Schalk Brits and Bismarck du Plessis will have their sights on the Springbok No 2 jersey now that Smit and Gary Botha are plying their trade in France and England.
Smit's future could depend on the selection of the new Springbok coach. Jake White appointed the Sharks skipper as his national captain early in 2004 and persisted with him.
Heyneke Meyer is leading, by a short head, the race for the position as national coach. If he gets the job, it could tip the scales in favour of Victor Matfield when the new Springbok captain is appointed.
Matfield will be playing in Toulon for the next few months but will return in time to play for the Bulls in the second half of the Super 14 competition.
Smit said during the World Cup tournament in France he was interested in playing for South Africa in 2008 and in captaining the team.
However the serious knee injury could be a setback to his plans.
Even though the Springboks won the World Cup, a period of major changes in SA rugby is expected.
The appointment of the new Springbok coach could be brought to a head next week. It is also expected that Mike Stofile will oppose Oregan Hoskins as SA Rugby Union president.
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Rugby
