Kwagga Smith gives Boks a boost ahead of Ireland series

By SABC Sport
26th May 2024

Springbok utility forward Kwagga Smith claims he is ready to be called up to face Ireland in the highly anticipated two-Test series in July.

The double World Cup winner has been on the sidelines since the beginning of the year, when an injury forced him to go under the knife to mend a tendon near his groin. The surgery cast doubt on his appearance for the series.

However, speaking to Rapport, Kwagga "Battle Stats" Smith revealed that he has made a full recovery and will be fit for duty come July.

"I'm back in South Africa and definitely ready for the [Irish] Tests," Smith told the Sunday newspaper.

"I trained 100% comfortably with my team in Japan a month ago."

It is welcome news for the World Champions, who are set to be without juggernaut Jasper Wiese for the beginning of their season after he was handed a six-game suspension.

There is talent aplenty gunning for the BoksÃ¢™ No.8 jersey, with Evan Roos and Cameron Hanekom in red-hot form for the Stormers and Bulls respectively. Young talent Elrigh Louw, who has been running out as a flanker for the Bulls, is already a capped Bok and offers another option.

However, with veteran Smith back in the mix for the Boks, this trio will likely take a backseat for now.