Rugby: Bok captain ruled out

Springboks captain John Smit has been ruled out of the first rugby test against Italy in Witbank with a hamstring tear.

He will be replaced as skipper by lock Victor Matfield. Smit injured his leg while warming up for the test against France at Newlands last Saturday, which South Africa won 42-17.

He is replaced in the squad by Blue Bulls reserve hooker Bandise Maku, with Chiliboy Ralepelle set to wear the number two jersey.