Springbok loose forward Juan Smith says he’s nearing a return to light training after a torn Achilles’ tendon in February threatened his chances of playing at the Rugby World Cup.

Smith said in a TV interview on Saturday at the Cheetahs vs Sharks Super Rugby game that his rehabilitation “is going really well” and he hopes to start running in three weeks.

The 69-test Springboks flanker was hurt in round two of the Super 15 Rugby and reports suggested he could miss rugby’s showpiece in New Zealand in September.

On Saturday, Smith said he was on track for a return before South Africa’s World Cup title defence.

The 29-year-old Smith was a crucial part of the Boks’ backrow combination when they won the World Cup in France in 2007.