Johnson and Smith swap roles

Cheetahs loose forward Ashley Johnson has been added to the Springbok squad as cover for the back row positions – ahead of the Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

This was on the same day that World Cup-winning Bok flank Juan Smith was released from the South African camp to play for the Cheetahs in a Currie Cup match against the Pumas on Saturday.

Johnson, who made his Test debut against Australia in Sydney last month, joined the squad on Monday afternoon, following the morning training session.

* Earlier on Monday it was also revealed that fullback Frans Steyn had been ruled out of the PE encounter, after pulling his hamstring in last Saturday’s 9-14 loss to Australia.

Furthermore, Bok captain John Smit sat out training on Monday because of a cold.

Springbok conditioning coach Neels Liebel confirmed that the elbow injury Smit sustained is not serious.

Both Smit and Bakkies Botha, who is also struggling with a cold, should be ready to play.

The team for Saturday’s test will be named on Tuesday.