From bad to worse for the 'Boks

South Africa's World Cup preparations have gone from bad to worse, with another key player ruled out of the tournament with injury. Juan Smith is the latest member of the pack to have been struck by injury and the flanker has been forced to accept defeat in his battle to recover from his Achilles injury. The 30-year old went under the knife back in February to repair his torn Achilles tendon but hasn't recovered in time to be considered for selection.

Smith was an integral part of the Springboks side that lifted the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. The flanker was one of the 20-plus first team players left out of South Africa's Tri-Nations squad, with the focus being on recovering from his injury but Smith has taken the decision himself to withdraw from the squad, with his aim now being on returning to action at the start of next season. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting will know it's a big blow for the side.

Smith revealed the news to Volksblad newspaper, admitting he didn't want to be in the squad if he wasn't fully fit.

"I am not 100 percent. I won't be able to give everything and realise I should put my team, team-mates and the Bok fans first."

"I've worked very hard to get back on the training field but I'm still some way from full fitness and have been training with quite a lot of pain."

Smith is just the latest in a number of withdrawals from the South African forwards and head coach Peter de Villiers has struggled at times to find players to fill positions during the recent Tri-Nations tournament. There has been some good news for de Villiers, with the news that captain John Smit's elbow injury isn't as serious as first though and the hooker will be ready in time for the World Cup. The news should be reflected in the Rugby Union Betting.

The pressure has begun to mount on the South African team following their calamitous Tri-Nations campaign. The second string side that de Villiers sent into the tournament were easily beaten in all of their games and the South African public hve been far from impressed with the squad's preparations.