Botha loss huge blow for Boks, says Smit

CAPTAIN John Smit admits the tournament-ending injury sustained by prop BJ Botha will impact on South Africa’s hopes of winning the World Cup.

Botha has been ruled out of the remainder of the competition after damaging knee ligaments in the first half of Sunday’s 64-15 win over the United States.

The Sharks front-row forward has been replaced by Jannie Du Plessis, who will link up with the Springboks in France on Wednesday or Thursday.