Flanker George Smith failed a fitness test on Wednesday and will be
sidelined for Australia’s opening Tri-Nations rugby union international against South Africa at Cape Town.
Smith missed tests against Wales and England last month after injuring his neck in the Wallabies season-opening win over Ireland, but had been expected to be fit for the July 12 match against South Africa.
Phil Waugh is expected to retain his place at openside flanker and a replacement will be drafted into the 22-man squad.
Flyhalf Elton Flatley and reserve scrumhalf Chris Whitaker were passed fit after extensive testing and medical examinations.
Flatley was concussed during Queensland’s loss to Fiji on Sunday and Whitaker had a back problem which threatened to end his season.
The Australians will fly out for South Africa on Saturday. – Sapa-AP