Springboks' Juan Smith still getting over loss of his father

Rugby News
JUAN SMITH is unlikely to play again for South Africa until the home leg of the Tri-Nations in late August after revealing he has yet to get over the death of his father.
The 28-year-old Cheetahs flanker was surprisingly left out of the Springbok team to play Wales in Cardiff on June 5, but has now explained that he had asked to be excluded.
Smith’s father Giel passed away in Bloemfontein in early April, prompting the forward to miss a few Super 14 games for his franchise, who he captains.
With several regular national players not chosen for the game at the Millennium Stadium due to their involvement in the competition finale, he was expected to play.

But he said: “My mom is going through a tough time and is very emotional. I have been very busy of late as I played for the Cheetahs in the Super 14 after my father’s death.
“That is why his passing has not really sunk in. The reality only hit home now and I don’t want to play for the Boks if I’m not 100% right.”
While he could not set an exact date for his return, he suggested that he may play again for the world champions when they return from their three-game tour to Australia and New Zealand.
The Springboks’ first home game in the Tri-Nations is against New Zealand in Johannesburg in August and Smith added: “We’ll see how things look after the overseas leg of the Tri-Nations.”
He also hailed the compassionate side of coach Peter de Villiers after he was granted leave of absence.
Smith said: “I appreciate being a player under Peter.
“His relationship with every player is incredible and that is what makes him such a good coach.
“It’s the first time I’m in a Bok team where a coach cares so much about the players. He went to the trouble of flying up to see me and said he’s 100% behind me.”
Meanwhile, Jean de Villiers has withdrawn from the South Africa team to play Wales because of injury.
The Munster centre, one of six overseas-based Springboks named in the starting line-up for the Millennium Stadium Test, hurt his shoulder and has been replaced by Jaque Fourie.
It means Fourie will now play alongside Bath’s Butch James in midfield.
De Villiers initially decided not to select the Stormers centre due to his side’s participation in the Super 14 final against the Bulls this weekend.