Rugby:Victor Matfield is the favourite to take over the captaincy from John Smit for South Africa's match against Ireland this November after John Smit was ruled out of the entire Springboks tour.
Smit will miss the test against Ireland, as well as tour matches with England, Wales, Scotland and the Barbarians, after he underwent surgery in Durban today to repair a chronic cervical disc.
The 32-year-old hooker, who has 102 caps and led the Springboks to the World Cup three years ago, will be sidelined for three months.
Springboks team doctor Craig Roberts said an operation was carried out to ensure the disc did not get progressively worse.
“It will also ensure John’s availability for the Springboks and the Sharks for the 2011 season,” Roberts said. “The timing was right for John to undergo surgery as he will now have a prolonged period of recovery in advance of the new season.
“This was not a career-threatening injury.”