JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South Africa's World Cup winning captain John Smit has been ruled out of the rest of the Tri-nations tournament, a South African Rugby Union statement said on Sunday.

The 30-year-old hooker had surgery on a groin last week in Johannesburg after being injured in an off-the-ball incident involving All Blacks lock Brad Thorn during the 19-8 loss to New Zealand in Wellington last weekend.

And with replacement Bismarck du Plessis suspended for three weeks after being cited for making contact with the eye area of flanker Adam Thompson during the Boks' 30-28 triumph over All Blacks on Saturday, third choice Schalk Brits is set to start against Australia in Perth next weekend.

Adriaan Strauss of the Free State Cheetahs will fly to Australia as cover for Brits.