Bad news coming out of Durban is the confirmation that Bok winger Lwazi Mvovo has suffered a thumb fracture and will be out of action for anything up to six weeks as the result.
Mvovo has apparently already had surgery to correct the problem, but given that the Sharks leave on their Anitpodean tour in around three weeks’ time, the reality is that the try machine is now a certainty to miss that trip. Such a long absence at this critical stage of the season is, unfortunately, also likely to put paid to Mvovo’s Bok selection hopes, with the mid-year test window scheduled to start just a few short weeks after his likely return.
There’s better news for flank Marcell Coetzee, who should be named to face the Crusaders on Friday after being cleared of concussion.
The Sharks will name their line-up later today and foremost on John Plumtree’s mind will be whether to pick Odwa Ndungane as a straight replacement for Mvovo, or perhaps shift Louis Ludik to win to see how Frans Steyn goes at fullback.
Tweet
Oh crap! Not another finger injury? This is bizarre! Damn and not good losing Mvovs!
Not good news but it makes for an interesting team announcement.
I won’t be surprised if we see Steyn at 12, Whitehead at 13 and Jordaan at 14.
My guess is that Ludick will shift to wing with Riaan Viljoen named at fullback, or even the other way around. Or just Odwa coming in for Mvovo with Whitehead then taking his spot on the bench.
@KingRiaan (Comment 4) : Who is this Ludick guy? Is he any good?
I would prefer to give Viljoen a start on the wing with Ndungane covering from the bench. Steyn is not yet fit for 80 minutes of Super Rugby (which is ridiculous after almost a full year in South Africa). I would go with this backline:
11. Pietersen
12. Bosman/Whitehead
13. Jordaan
14. Viljoen
15. Ludik
21. Whitehead/Bosman
22. Steyn
@TRF_Ezequiel (Comment 5) : Haha sorry, spelling is a bit haywire 🙂
Or let’s just throw in the KO guy from the previous thread and see how the crusaders react to that..mix it up a bit..hahaha..
But on a serious note if timmy is fit why not slot him in at 12 n steyn at 13 n move jordaan in at 14 as gwest said. Ndugane is a bit slow for wing. Fullback maybe but not wing. We need gas out wide.
Tough luck Lwazi! Has looked good so far.
Plenty options, but maybe Jordaan to wing once Tim is back. Until then, Frans at 15 and Ludik at wing.
I don’t believe Tim is fit
No one has mentioned Sbura?