Smith fit for Springboks

South Africa flanker Juan Smith has been declared fit for the first Test against Wales on Saturday.

Smith, who has missed training this week, was today confirmed to be a certain starter for the team to be named tomorrow by coach Peter de Villiers.

While his team-mates enjoyed time off to play in a charity golf day hosted by a local casino, Smith was training hard to recover from the hamstring injury that put his participation in doubt.

“Juan is fine now,” Springbok communications manager Chris Hewitt said.

“We had kept him out as a precaution, but he has come through well and he is expected to play on Saturday.

“All 30 players with us are fit and well, and we now have no injury worries.”

Meanwhile, Schalk Burger joined the team as player number 31, but only to train alongside his team-mates because he “is of indeterminable value to the side on their way forward this year”.

Burger will continue his rehabilitation from the knee injury which has sidelined him for the past five weeks.

His progress is being monitored on a day-to-day basis by the Springbok medical team, and they have expressed satisfaction at his ongoing recovery.

“Schalk is responding well to treatment and has started running,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.

Burger will remain with the squad for the Vodacom Incoming Tours, despite his unavailability for the first two Tests against Wales in Bloemfontein and Pretoria.

“Schalk adds a lot to the team dynamic,” said Springbok coach De Villiers.

“He is unavailable for selection at the moment, but his off-field input has been substantial.

“He is also familiarising himself with our structures and line-out calls so that when he is ready to play it shouldn’t take too long to get him up to speed.”