British and Irish Lions

Smit returned home early from his side's double-header in New Zealand, having sustained the injury during the Springboks 19-8 loss in Wellington last weekend.

And he will now miss the remainder of the competition as well after undergoing surgery.

Despite missing the rest of the tournament, the Springbok captain was upbeat after South Africa's 30-28 win on Saturday earned them their first away win over the All Blacks for 10 years and their first in Carisbrook's "House of Pain" since 1921.

"I have obviously been very down since I returned home, but the guys brought a smile to my face," Smit said.

"It was an incredible win, and vindication for all the hard work that has gone in by all involved.

"The All Blacks are formidable opponents, their home record attests to that, and winning there takes something very special. I am over the moon."

South Africa Rugby revealed no date has yet been set for Smit's return.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.