Key bomb squad member Kwagga Smith joins lengthy Springbok injury list

Multiple reports have claimed that the loose forward tweaked his knee while running out for the Shizuoka Blue Revs against the Canon Eagles on 9 May. Smith has not featured in Japan League One since that day, stoking fears over the severity of the injury, which has reportedly ruled him out for the entire international season.

Smith's versatility has been key for the powerful Springboks bench. It allows the World Champions to field a consistent 6-2 or even 7-1 split between backs and forwards in the replacements.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a bumper international season last year, earning 12 caps and playing in every match of the Boks' successful 2025 Rugby Championship campaign.

Smith joins the likes of injured forwards Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Deon Fourie and Bongi Mbonambi.

But the Bok stocks run deep. The absence of the 63-capped veteran will likely open the door for upcoming talent that can no longer be ignored.

Uncapped Stormers flanker Paul de Villiers has been in sublime form and is arguably the most like-for-like replacement. His teammate, the divisive Evan Roos, is the top try-scorer in the United Rugby Championship. Talented Bulls No.8 Cameron Hanekom is coming back into form, as is Elrigh Louw, while Vincent Tshituka impressed in his two Tests against the Barbarians and Italy last year.