British and Irish Lions

World Cup-winning South Africa captain John Smit admitted he was looking forward to the challenge ahead at Clermont Auvergne after being introduced to the fans of his new club side.

A fortnight after lifting the Webb Ellis trophy at the Stade de France following the Springboks' 15-6 win over England in the World Cup final, Smit is poised to launch his two-year stint at the unfashionable Top 14 outfit in the heart of France.

The hooker was given a rapturous welcome by the Clermont-Auvergne supporters at the Stade Marcel-Michelin prior to the team's league clash with Montpellier on Saturday.

And Smit cannot wait to get back into action.

"To play in France is the best thing that could happen to me," he said. "I chose Clermont because it is a big club with a great infrastructure.

"I have already spoken to some of my team-mates, but I can't wait to discover more."

Fellow south African Marius Joubert has also moved to Clermont, the runners-up in last season's Top 14 championship.

Michael Hooper believes the British & Irish Lions' defeat to the Brumbies has given the Qantas Wallabies a boost ahead of Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.