Frans Steyn still has an outside chance of playing for the Sharks in the Super 14 semi-final against the Waratahs here on Saturday but BJ Botha is unlikely to be involved.
Liam del Carme writes in Beeld that Botha has a calf-muscle injury that will probably keep the tough Springbok prop out of action until next week when the final takes place.
“BJ probably won’t play on Saturday,” Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford confirmed on Tuesday.
“He did not train with the team today but had a light workout. He has had calf-muscle problems before.”
There was better news about versatile Springbok back Steyn. “Frans trained with the team but did not take part in contact sessions,” Bashford said.
Steyn suffered a rib injury in a recent match against the Cheetahs. The Sharks, however, do not want to create an impression that they will be hard pressed to make do without him against the solid Waratahs defence.
“There is still time for Frans to recover before Saturday, but we have a number of options,” Bashford pointed out. “Brad Barritt did well against the Chiefs and may be given another chance.”
Head-butting incident
There is also some uncertainty about the fitness of Tongan World Cup star Epi Taione, who has made a surprising return to the Sharks squad.
Taione was banned for six weeks after a head-butting incident earlier in the competition and his contract with the Sharks was suspended.
However, he is back in the squad and it seems almost certain that he will play on Saturday; maybe even as a member of the starting lineup.
“Epi has been away for a while and we’ve seen him in only one practice, so it’s hard to say how fit he is,” Bashford said.
“I don’t believe he will play in the whole match.”
The versatile Taione will probably be deployed on the flank, taking over from veteran Springbok AJ Venter who could be moved to lock.
Taione did not really have time to show his ability before he was suspended but he is likely to be given an opportunity to make up for his indiscretion in the match against the Hurricanes.
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😥 😥 😥
Ok…I’ve composed myself now… 😐
Jannie is more than capable of doing the job…
Jannie is fine. I’m a little more worried about Epi at flank after not playing a single game for weeks!
I’m also worried about the possible re-introduction of Steyn in the back-line, although he has shown in the past that he can perform exceptionally when the pressure is really on.
@Waz (Comment 3) :
I doubt if Steyn would be 100% fit, if he plays he might just get injured again… 🙄
@Charlie (Comment 4) : Always found it amazing that rugby players can run hell-for-leather into each other at full pace, but get injured by silly things like falling on a ball.
If Steyn has been training with the team…then maybe it’s not so bad…
I don’t think they are bring Epi in to “play”… 😉 if you know what I mean…
Poll on sarugby.com…
Predict the Super 14 Final:
Crusaders v Waratahs 24 %
Crusaders v Sharks 28 %
Waratahs v Hurricanes 0 %
Sharks v Hurricanes 48 %
I guess we know who’s been voting… 🙂
This was sent to the Sharks Supporters Club in Gauteng from the Stormers Supporters Club in Gauteng – what a nice jesture?
“The Gauteng branch of The Stormers Supporters Club would like to take this opportunity to wish The Sharks everything of the best for the upcoming semi in Oz and hopefully for the final too.
Thanks for keeping the SA flag flying high – we will be shouting for your ‘manne’
Rugby regards
Julian Rod
Club Newlands Gauteng”
“gesture” 😳 😳
Before you correct me Waz!
LOL Ness – I just forwarded the messgae to Rob to put up….GREAT minds…(and we stop there…) 😉
@I’ce (TKMITFM) (Comment 10) :
What can I say? 😉
Nice of them to say. I daresay you wouldn’t see me sending out a message like that if the BULLS were in the semis rather than us: there are limits to my patriotism. 😀
I’d cheer for the Stormers though. Great side.
Nice gesture indeed…we apprecciate it… 😀
@Waz (Comment 12) :
Agree 100% 😳
@Waz (Comment 12) :
😈 😈