It looks like dear old Odwa is very much “in the news” this morning, with an article on the Sharks website indicating that he may be celebrating his birthday in the worst possible fashion… according to coach John Plumtree, he’s looking doubtful for this weekend’s trip to Loftus, having picked up an injury against the Kings.
The Sharks now face a crucial decision ahead of the match – do they select JP Pietersen at centre as intended, or do they let the Bok wing drop back into the number 14 jersey vacated by Ndungane and bring in another campaigner, perhaps even Marius Joubert, to play outside centre? This decision, I feel, is a crucial one and may well define the approach for the season.
If it were up to me, I’d bring Sbura Sithole into the starting lineup for this clash and throw caution to the wind – after all, the Joubert at 13 thing really didn’t work last year and there’s no reason to abandon the Pietersen move now that it’s starting to show such good promise.
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All these pre season injuries are becoming a real worry. I wonder how many top players Heineke will still be able to select from come the England tour.
Messes with my article that just went up..
I agree though Rob, bring in Sithole or play Ludik on the wing. Keep JPP closer to the ball.
All the best Odwa, get better soon!
@Pokkel (Comment 1) :
I am willing to bet money that at least 5 first choice Boks will not be available come June.
And that is excluding Juan Smith who is crocked..
Jordaan asseblief 🙂 There are so many options and combinations Plum could go with; gonna be interesting to see who he selects.
@JJR (Comment 4) : Well, if Jordaan was not on the bench for the Bull’s match – he’ll at least be there now.
Play Jordaan, he is the next best
Sbura or Jordaan – we need to play wide to make up for our T5 issues and its our new philosophy anyway, innit?
Just remember, whoever is playing 13 is up against a quality player in Johan Sadie. Jordaan is predominantly a 12/10.
I personally would put Whitehead in there with JP on the wing.
And Jordaan on the bench.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 2) : Agree. Keep JPP at 13 and bring in Sithole.
What a “bummer”for Odwa…was hoping to see both twins on the park.
Oh darn. I hope sense prevails with Plum. Ludik or Sithole on the wing please!
all the best for our guys in BnW