Smit's participation in the match, the only time the Boks will get a taste of action before facing Ireland in Bloemfontein on June 12, will be crucial as coach Jake White increases the intensity after a rather slow start to their training camp.

Also back to business yesterday were Faan Rautenbach, Os du Randt and Bakkies Botha, who were all nursing injuries last week. Percy Montgomery (broken hand) was the only player to not take part in a contact session yesterday.

Bok media manager Rayaan Adriaanse said the weekend off had done the players the world of good. "The guys are in good spirits and looking forward to the match on Wednesday," said Adriaanse.

London Irish coach Gary Gold also joined the squad yesterday, as did former Blue Bulls and Springbok kingpin Naas Botha.

"Naas spent a good couple of hours with the team's kickers. He helped them with both goal and tactical kicking," said Adriaanse.

Meanwhile, Central Provinces' co-coach Frankel Engelbrecht said his side would go out in Kimberley to help White and the Boks find their weaknesses ahead of the first Test. The team started their preparations only yesterday. "We have a good idea of what to expect during the match. We know most of the guys ... their strengths and weaknesses ... who'll be playing against us, so we'll be looking to test them in all departments to help them."

Engelbrecht added his team would not go out to spoil or kill the game. "We want to play positive rugby and run the ball. But it all depends on how they allow us to play and on what kind of possession we receive."

The one area White will be hoping runs smoothly is in the line-outs where the Irish are so dominant. Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha will be tested by Free State Springbok Marco Wentzel and Jannie Bornman.

"There have been no instructions from White or the Bok team management about what they're looking to achieve. We know what it's about and we'll do our best to make it beneficial for South African rugby," said Engelbrecht.

The earlier concerns about captain Rassie Erasmus's foot injury were something of the past yesterday as he took part in full in all the training drills. One of the most anticipated battles in the match will be that between Smit and former Bok number two Naka Drotske, who, according to Engelbrecht, is looking in great shape.

Report courtesy of Jacques van der Westhuyzen - The Star.(SA)