BBC Rugby Union: Springboks Bolstered by Kwagga Smith’s Anticipated Return for Ireland Tests
In a boost for the Springboks, double Rugby World Cup-winning back-rower Kwagga Smith is expected to be fit and ready for their two-Test series against Ireland in July.
The 30-year-old Smith, who has 40 international caps, has been sidelined since January after suffering an adductor tendon rupture while playing for the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan’s Rugby League One. However, the versatile forward has confirmed he will be available for selection if called upon for the first Test against the Irish.
“I’m back in South Africa and definitely ready for the [Irish] tests,” Smith told Afrikaans newspaper Rapport. “I trained 100% comfortably with my team in Japan a month ago.”
Smith’s timely return is particularly welcome news for Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, who will be without the suspended Jasper Wiese for the series. The powerful number eight has been handed a six-match ban following his red card in his final appearance for Leicester Tigers.
With Wiese unavailable, the experienced Smith is one of the options Erasmus could turn to in the back row, having featured multiple times off the bench and started three Tests in the number eight jersey for South Africa. Smith’s jackaling skills and breakdown work will be valuable assets against the formidable Irish.
The Springboks have also been hit by injury concerns, with Damian Willemse and Steven Kitshoff set to miss the Ireland matches. However, the prospect of having Smith available is a significant boost as the world champions prepare to face the in-form visitors.
The rugby union matches between the Springboks and Ireland promise to be a captivating affair, with both teams looking to lay down a marker ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
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