/ 14 July 2008

Strauss replaces Du Plessis, Smit sidelined

Uncapped hooker Adriaan Strauss was summoned to replace the suspended Bismarck du Plessis on Sunday as South Africa announced injured captain John Smit was sidelined for the rest of the Tri-Nations.

The 23-year-old Strauss, who plays for Free State Cheetahs, was expected to join the Springboks on Tuesday in Perth, Australia, where they will play the Wallabies next Saturday.

Du Plessis was suspended for three weeks for eye gouging New Zealand flanker Adam Thomson in the historic 30-28 defeat of the All Blacks on Saturday in Dunedin.

Du Plessis will miss the Wallabies Test but be available to face Argentina on August 9 in Johannesburg.

Smit, who aggravated his injured groin in the opening Tri-Nations loss to New Zealand in Wellington, underwent successful surgery last week and the Springboks said he will not play again in the tournament.

The team did not set a date for his return.

Smit said his rehab was encouraged by the Boks’ first victory in New Zealand in a decade.

”I have obviously been very down since I returned home, but the guys brought a smile to my face,” Smit said in a statement. ”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.” – Sapa-AP