Juan Smith: First game since 2011
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Springbok flanker Juan Smith's long awaited return to action will take place on Saturday when he turns out for the Cheetahs against the Stormers in a warm-up game in Bloemfontein.
Smith has been on the sidelines since rupturing his Achilles in a Super Rugby clash against the Bulls in February 2011.
He will get a chance to prove his fitness on Saturday and against the Bulls in the Cheetahs' second pre-season friendly the following week.
The 31-year-old is without a contract due to his long absence and will play on match fees alone.
Cheetahs back-line coach Hawies Fourie said the 69-Test veteran's comeback will be managed cautiously.
"Juan is ready to play," he told the Volksblad website.
"He will probably get 15 minutes against the Stormers and 30 minutes against the Bulls.
"This will allow us to possibly consider him for our first Super game - against the Sharks."
Fourie added that more than 22 players will be in action against the Stormers.
Smith will not be the only player returning to action after recovering from injuries with number eight Philip van der Walt (knee), flanker Lappies Labuschagné (ankle), full-back Willie le Roux (groin) and centre Johann Sadie (hamstring) all expected to make their comebacks.
Cheetahs skipper and Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss - who was rested in last weekend's 33-17 defeat to the Lions - could also play for a few minutes on Saturday.
Comments
carpelone says...
martinmarais78
INFORM Spies that he is no more up to it.
Posted 16:35 30th January 2013
martinmarais78 says...
FIT Juan, FIT Burger and INFORM Spies. Best loose trio in world rugby!
Posted 10:28 30th January 2013
scot_rsa says...
Alberts, Flo and Coetzee have been pretty awesome but Smith had such an immense all round game it's hard to compare anyone to him. King Richie of course. Don't see a Bok return but a helping hand for the Cheetahs to get the reward they've deserved for so long. Good luck Juan.
Posted 20:57 29th January 2013
5Lock4ward says...
With injuries to him, Brussow and Burger have come opportunities for younger Bok loose forwards. Not to mention Watson who although unpopular for political reasons was dominant with Bath. With all of them back their depth at the position is an embarrassment of riches. Similar to the way they provide locks the world over; Rawlinson for the All Blacks and Vickerman for the Wallabies amongst countless others playing club rugby in the NH. Good to see him back.
Posted 17:15 29th January 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
World rugby has missed him. The injuries have been cruel and robbed us all of seeing more of a fantastic talent.
Posted 14:55 29th January 2013
carpelone says...
Welkom terug.
Posted 13:13 29th January 2013
Spartacus says...
Fingers crossed! Boks need him!
Posted 11:32 29th January 2013