The Sharks have suffered a second major injury blow on their Antipodean tour, with Fred Zeilinga forced to return home due to a recurrence of the hamstring strain he sustained against the Lions in Johannesburg a month ago.
Zeilinga missed out on matches against the Cheetahs and Highlanders as a result of the initial injury, but was passed fit to tour. He watched Friday’s win over the Rebels from the bench, but has now sustained a recurrence of the injury and will thus play no further part over the next month.
Jaco van Tonder, who filled in for the Sharks XV at flyhalf over the weekend (despite more regularly playing wing and fullback) has been summoned to join the tour party.
Zeilinga’s injury makes it almost certain that Frans Steyn will continue at flyhalf against the Brumbies this weekend, with Tim Swiel providing cover.
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This is not good news, was looking forward to having Fred back at 10, and building some momemtum towards the playoffs. :\
Damn pity. Fred looked very comfortable at 10.
Aggenee man š” š„
That really is not good! He would have been a reliable goal kicker and I am sure Steyn needs a rest at some stage! In future Sharks XV must really take a back seat where Super Rugby squad members are concerned
Not a trainsmash.I would have kept the same team for Saturday anycase.Lets just hope Frans doesn’t break down and we have to revert to Swiel at 10.I really have a good feeling about this upcoming game.
@Bokhoring (Comment 3) : Yes, but the Brumbies are a world-class team, and I’m more comfortable having a world-class player Steyn facing them. All respect to Zeilinga, of course.
Frans has a bit of an aura at 10.It intimidates the other teams.You could even here it in the aussie commentary box.Leave him right there ā
@tigershark (Comment 8) : you mean when they weren’t going on and on about how suspect he is on defence?
@The Great Couch Shark (Comment 7) : Frans is a stop-gap 10. I much prefer him at 12.
However Fred’s injury has made this a moot point anyway.
was he really 100% fit?
@robdylan (Comment 9) : Well I don’t know if its his boot, sheer size or the moustache, but he definitely got them talking.
@[email protected] (Comment 5) : you do know that they’re also playing in a competition and that their coach would want to win to to keep his own job?!?!?!
next one to go down Cobus?
I was having a real kak day at work already.. and now this?? No man! ā ā
@JD (Comment 11) : doubt it
Steyn’s mustache just better not get injured, because then we are gonna be in groot [email protected] šÆ
Who thinks Zeilinga was rushed back?
He got injured against the Lions and was ruled out for 4 weeks. This would have been the 4th week. Cheetahs/Highlanders/Rebels/Brumbies – I always thought he would only be available for the New Zeeland part of the tour.
Have anyone noticed how everyone (Stormers) are allowed to whine about their long list of injuries, when the Sharks never have been:
Btw the sanzarrugby website list our injuries as follows:
Patrick Lambie – Torn Bicep (Season)
Cobus Reinach – Fractured Hand (Round 13)
Pieter-Steph du Toit – ACL (Season)
They haven’t had Bresler or Zeilinga on that list once. Let’s see if his injury counts this time. Oh and Tera and Keegan was never on their list. Now their back, but I checked this list every Tuesday since the start of the comp and only these three names and Jordaan have ever been on this list of injured Sharks players. But the Stormer’s list looks like this (updated on Monday):
Gio Aplon – Elbow (TBC)
Manuel Carizza – Wrist (TBC)
Demetri Catrakilis – Broken Nose (Round 13)
Pat Cilliers – Knee (TBC)
Rynhard Elstadt – Shoulder (Season)
Eben Eztebeth – Foot (TBC)
Gerbrandt Grobler – Leg & Shoulder (TBC)
Jean Kleyn – Torn Ankle Ligaments (TBC)
Cheslin Kolbe – Knee (Round 13)
Tiaan Liebenberg – Lower Neck (TBC)
De Kock Steenkamp – Groin (Season)
Yes, this list looks bad, but if the list is updated each week, as it says it is, then the Sharks would also have had a list of 8 or 9 players at one stage.
Lambie, Steph, Reinach, Zeilinga, Tera, Odwa, JPP, Jordaan ā Not even counting Bissie, Deysel and Sithole, because they were only out for one game.
Iām just saying, why the hell have a list of ALL injured players and then not have a true reflection of one teams injuries?
Very weird.
@KingRiaan (Comment 17) If Steyn (or the moustache) breaks down our season will be over.Thats how important he is (or should I say how important they are).
@robdylan (Comment 16) : that’s what made me worried about him and cobus touring, i just think it was to soon!!!
Injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of the game and thats why is the best squad not the best 15 that win this super rugby title.
@tigershark (Comment 19) : Lets just hope that ‘stache will protect him
Sheet.
Rob Du Preez is most likely kicking himself right now for going to Province.
Pretty sure he would have been in the mix for a call up.
@John Galt (Comment 24): I have been thinking the exact same thing.Is there no way to buy him back or maybe trade Swiel back in return for him? š
@John Galt (Comment 24) : According to this article http://www.sharksworld.co.za/2014/05/06/bonus-point-comes-at-a-cost/ he is training with the Stormers squad this week and eligible for selection.
Who thinks Zeilinga was rushed back? Me, 100%.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 27) : for sure he was rushed back as was Cobus, just hope he finish the tour unharmed.
@JD (Comment 28) : Could explain why neither got any game time against the Rebels – just to be used in case of emergency
Frans will take less contact at 10 than 12, which obviously allows JW the luxury of not having to rest him just yet. Still, you can’t play the guy into the ground. He must be right up there in minutes played this season.
@Bokhoring (Comment 29) : yes but would have been better to have both in rehab at home and fit for Stormers and playoffs!!!!
Silver lining: at least we get to see Heimar Williams play again.
Probable team for Saturday,
15 Mvovo
14 Ndugane
13 Jordaan
12 Williams
11 JPP
10 Steyn
09 Reinach
08 Kankowski
07 Deysel
06 Daniel
05 Lewies
04 Alberts
03 J du Plessis
02 B du Plessis
01 Mtawarira
16 Cooper
17 Adriaanse
18 Chadwick
19 Oosthuizen
20 Mtembu/Botes
21 Mcleod
22 Swiel
23 Sithole
@sharks_lover (Comment 33) : Probably Sithole will start depending on recovery status. Sharks seem to have made a habit of bringing the guys back to soon, and leaving them on the bench “in case of an emergency” Freddie & Cobus case in point. I am hoping Sithole is not the same.
@sharks_lover (Comment 33):I think that will be the team.He may just stick with Mcleod in this match for the sake of continuity and experience.
@tigershark (Comment 35) : Probably mate, I was undecided about 2 places, 9 and reserve loose forward.
@tigershark (Comment 35) : @sharks_lover (Comment 36) : I think you’re correct with most of the team just think he’ll stick with Mcloed with Cobus on the bench and as for loose forward cover he will use Mtembu (if he’s ok).
15 Mvovo
14 Ndugane
13 Sithole
12 Jordaan
11 JPP
10 Steyn
09 Reinach
08 Kankowski
07 Deysel
06 Daniel
05 Lewies
04 Alberts
03 J du Plessis
02 B du Plessis
01 Mtawarira
16 Cooper
17 Adriaanse
18 Chadwick
19 Oosthuizen
20 Mtembu
21 Mcleod
22 Swiel
23 Williams/SP Marais
@Letgo (Comment 18) : Nah! The JS/White combo is too professional to rush players back remember. Must be a third force! Best we call for a presidential Commission of Enquiry.
Send Butch James
@Letgo (Comment 18) : That information is probably supplied by the franchises. My guess is that someone at the Sharks are not doing their job.
Maybe Butch James could add value! Sharks are in his HEART!
@KingCheetah (Comment 39) :
Aren’t “we” getting s bit tired from carrying that immense chip?
@pierre_mackie (Comment 40) : with all the injuries at fly half I don’t know why the Sharks did not do a deal with Toulon to get the French man back as he’s not even making their match 23.
@JD (Comment 44) : yes ,best idea so far
@Big Fish (Comment 43) : Not really, in fact I hardly feel the weight! šæ
@KingCheetah (Comment 46) :
š
Happy birthday marcell , may u get well soon. Hope to see u back asap, but enjoy the rest you surely deserve. Have a wonderfull and blessed day.