Juan Smith did not partake in the Springbok training on Friday, which means that Schalk Burger will probably wear the no. 7 jersey against Wallabies in Perth next Saturday.

The Boks open the away leg of their Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign against the Wallabies at Subiaco Oval next Saturday, and coach Peter de Villiers has confirmed that Smith, who was in excellent form during the home leg of the Tri-Nations and is rated by many as the top blindside flanker in the world, is a doubtful starter.

“We will make a decision on whether Juan will play against Australia once we get to Perth on Tuesday,” said De Villiers at a press conference in Pretoria on Friday.

But observers at the training session said Smith looks most unlikely to play at this stage as he is not moving easily, and Burger looks set to come straight into his place as per the configurations at what was a physical contact session.

Burger has been out of rugby for the past seven weeks after being suspended for eight weeks for the incident in which he clawed at the face of a British and Irish Lions player during the recent series. He was selected to the Bok squad for the away leg as his suspension ends in time for him to play in all the matches on tour.

Should Smith be ruled out, it will postpone a difficult decision that awaits the Bok management as they find ways to accomodate the return of Burger while at the same time recognising the important role that Heinrich Brussow has played in their recent run of success.

Source: supersport.co.za

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