Juan Smith has been recalled by South Africa after a three-year absence for a Rugby Championship Test in Argentina tomorrow.
The flanker replaces Marcell Coetzee in one of the three changes to the Springboks starting lineup that labored to a 13-6 victory over the Pumas in Pretoria on Saturday.
Eben Etzebeth comes in for Bakkies Botha at lock, while loosehead prop Gurthro Steenkamp replaces Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira.
Photo: EPA
Coetzee, Botha and Mtawarira have been named among eight replacements for the second-round southern hemisphere match in the northwestern city Salta.
In a change to the backline replacements, wing-cum-fullback Lwazi Mvovo got the nod ahead of center Jan Serfontein.
The inclusion of Smith, 33, who last wore the green and gold against England in 2010 at Twickenham, is the latest chapter in a fairytale comeback.
An Achilles tendon injury early in 2011 sidelined Smith for two years and after five unsuccessful operations, his rugby career appeared over.
However, French giants Toulon thought otherwise, offered him a contract and he helped them become 2014 European champions by scoring a try in the final triumph over English opponents Saracens.
Smith, who can operate as a flanker, No. 8 or lock, also collected a French Top 14 winners’ medal with Toulon.
“We had a couple of options at blindside flanker, but decided that this was a great opportunity to give Juan a chance,” coach Heyneke Meyer said in a statement.
“He was one of the best players for Toulon last season after more than two years out of the game and helped them win two major competitions. Apart from his experience and leadership, Juan is also a superb ball carrier and brilliant at the back of the lineouts,” Meyer added.
The demotions of Mtawarira, Botha and Coetzee were expected as the Springboks battled to contain the Pumas pack in monsoonlike conditions.
Expected to win comfortably and claim a four-try bonus point, South Africa had to survive a late onslaught to start the Rugby Championship with a victory.
After letting another big lead slip with an error-strewn performance at the French Open on Wednesday, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka felt like getting as far away from the courts as possible. “Just want to quit tennis right now,” Sabalenka said after wasting a lead of a set and two breaks in a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss to Diana Shnaider in the women’s singles quarter-finals. “We’ll see in few days. Hopefully I’ll get back on track mentally.” Sabalenka’s wait for a first French Open title continues despite the four-time major winner leading 4-1 in the second set and being two points from victory while
BIG NAMES GONE: Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title, reaching semi-finals for the fifth time in six years and finishing second on three occasions Alexander Zverev on Tuesday breezed past Rafael Jodar to stay on course for an elusive Grand Slam title at the French Open, while Jakub Mensik halted Joao Fonseca’s scintillating run in the quarter-finals. Zverev, the highest-ranked player left in the men’s draw, put an end to Spanish teenager Jodar’s impressive Roland Garros debut, easing into the semi-finals with a 7-6, (7/3), 6-1, 6-3 win. The 29-year-old Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title. He has finished runner-up on three occasions, including at the 2024 French Open. “I want to win the matches that are ahead of
Liverpool are in advanced talks with former AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as they seek a replacement for Arne Slot, reports said on Tuesday. Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s top target to replace Slot, who was sacked on Saturday last week after a turbulent second season in charge. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to bring the Spaniard, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, to Anfield. Sporting director Richard Hughes was heavily involved in hiring Iraola during his time at Bournemouth and is again spearheading the recruitment of the highly rated coach. The Reds are
US President Donald Trump said he would attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday at Madison Square Garden, but said he does not have much sympathy for ordinary basketball fans who cannot afford sky-high ticket prices to do the same. “They can watch it on television,” Trump said aboard Air Force One on Friday as he flew to Wisconsin for an event with farmers, after he was asked about tickets that have climbed as high as US$8,000 each when the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs square off in Manhattan for the first time in the series. “It’s sorta
RSS