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Rugby Union

Springboks skipper Smit out of Tri-Nations

14/07/2008

South Africa captain John Smit has been ruled out of the rest of the Tri-Nations tournament after having surgery on a groin injury last week.

Smit missed the Springboks' 30-28 victory over New Zealand in Dunedin, which ended the All Blacks' 30-match unbeaten home record, after aggravating the injury in the previous match in Wellington a week earlier.

And the prop has now undergone surgery, which has been described by SA Rugby as "successful", and will begin his rehabilitation immediately.

Despite his disappointment at being ruled out of the remaining matches in the Tri-Nations, Smit said the win in New Zealand had been a good tonic.

"I have obviously been very down since I returned home, but the guys brought a smile to my face," he said.

"It was an incredible win, and vindication for all the hard work that has gone in by all involved.

"The All Blacks are formidable opponents, their home record attests to that, and winning there takes something very special. I am over the moon."

No precise date has been set for Smit's return and it remains unclear if he will be fit for South Africa's autumn internationals against Wales, Scotland and England in November.