South Africa captain John Smit has been ruled out of the rest of the Tri-Nations series.

Smit had surgery in Johannesburg last week on the groin injury he suffered in an off-the-ball incident involving All Black lock Brad Thorn in the opening game of the series, a 19-8 defeat by New Zealand in Wellington.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Springbok management said Smit's surgery was successful but no date has been put on his return.

Smit watched Saturday's historic 30-28 win over New Zealand in Dunedin on television at home in South Africa and said: "I have obviously been very down since I returned home, but the guys brought a smile to my face.

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

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