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.
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