Having led South Africa to World Cup glory at the same stadium last November, Smit had hoped to end his one-year European stint in perfect fashion, but it was the Heineken Cup finalists who ran out 26-20 winners thanks to tries from Maxime Medard and William Servat and 16 points from the boots of Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, Maleli Kunavore and Valentin Courrent.
Smit will now turn his attentions to national duties once more as he prepares to link up with his Springbok colleagues ahead of this Saturday's Tri Nations opener against New Zealand in Wellington.
South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers has already confirmed Smit's position as skipper and the 30-year-old will be determined to bounce back from his Paris disappointment as the Springboks start on the road towards next year's Lions tour.
South Africa face the All Blacks at 8.35 BST on Saturday, July 5, with the game being shown live on Sky television.
