The Sharks are expected to confirm their injury situation after last week’s French trip today, but with Tera Mtembu having cried off just ahead of the Toulon game and Etienne Oosthuizen picking up an injury during it, the chances are pretty good that the loose forward cupboard might be a little bare heading into the opening rounds of Super Rugby.
As is, the Sharks were forced to make do without Willem Alberts, who tweaked a hamstring during pre-season and Ryan Kankowski (still in Japan) for the trip to the south of France. So short were they, in fact, that only Mtembu, Renaldo Bothma and Marcell Coetzee were included in the squad as genuine loose forwards. Mtembu’s rib issue necessitated a switch to blindside flank for Oosthuizen (a position he played regularly during Currie Cup last year) but with the latter limping off with what looked like a knee injury against Toulon, depth will again come under the spotlight.
It’s not clear whether Alberts or Mtembu will both (or either) be in doubt for Saturday’s opener against the Cheetahs. Kankowski, who should start training with the team this week, may be forced to slot in immediately in that case. Bothma and Coetzee, both hugely impressive at the Stade Mayol, must be feeling pretty confident about starting places at this stage but with neither an established lineout option, the coaches will be holding thumbs that at least one of their bigger men pulls through for the Valentine’s Day clash.
With Marco Wentzel showing just how much life is still in those old legs, it’s of course completely possible that Pieter-Steph du Toit could find himself filling in in the number 7 jersey should none of the other options be available.
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Always the posibility of Majola or Kleynhans getting a shot.
This maybe also a chance for young du Preez to start or at least get a spot on the bench. PSDT starting at 7 may not be a bad thing as Lewies or Marco can then start with Botha.
I’d rather see Majola or Kleinhans getting a run, let PSDT settle at lock, we will need him in top shape for the WC!
I think we’ll be fine…if Alberts and Oosthuizen are both out, it may even be a blessing in disguise. I’d love them to give du Preez a chance, but PSdT is also on option…
Must say I have a feeling that Oosthuizen will get more game time at 7 than at 4. How long is he still contracted at the Sharks?
@PTAShark (Comment 3) : The problem with Majola and Kleynhans becomes the balance of the loose trio…but they are also options…
@JD (Comment 5) : With Alberts’ injury issues that is very likely…
Coetzee and Bothma were very good in France!!
@pastorshark (Comment 4) : i aree with you this might be a chance for a youngster to step up, if not du Preez then maybe Majola or Kleinhans. Playing against SA sides the first few round it will almost be like Currie cup and not Super rugby so they will have time to settle.
@pastorshark (Comment 8) : ja and PSDT also had a huge game in the loose so could play 7 if needed but I would like to see Coetzee, Bothma and du Preez to start against the Cheetahs.
Really am a bit concerned about the injury report. Reinach was not pulling a happy face. And PSDT…
So I take it the Keegan rumours have died down?All we need is a ball carrier,Bissie already doing the poaching! 😆
Welcome back Jean Deysel!!!! this could be OUR season…
seems like Claassen also on his way to Durbs, after the completion of the french season.
@BarendL (Comment 12) : don’t forget Coetzee is also not to bad at poaching!!!!!!!!!!!
@VanWilder (Comment 13) : boet I really hope you’re not joking about Deysel being back!!!!!!! It will make my day no my month if he’s back!!!!!!
@VanWilder (Comment 14) : where di you see this news? Boet I hope you are correct with both these players!!!!!!!!
@JD (Comment 17) : Sharks just announced JD return on FB. Michael Claassens, has also been signed on a two-year deal.
http://sharksrugby.co.za/news#article2849604
@VanWilder (Comment 14) : The Sharks announced he has been signed so he is definitely going to be on his way once the French season is finished.
@JD (Comment 17) : It is on the Sharks website.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 18) : Fu*&*&*&& CKKKKKKKKKKK now I am happy with JD returning
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I wonder how match fit Deysel is to start on Saturday?
Claassens back after French season so basically a CC signing like Stevens was.
I had heard Deysel was returning a while back, but you know what it’s like? until confirmed nothing can be taken as such.
@Uli Boelie (Comment 18) : @lostfish (Comment 20) : you guys (and lady) just made my month!!!!!!!!!!! Geez I’m glad Deysels is back!!!!
@sharks_lover (Comment 21) : ag thanx boet but I never left. 😈
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@JD (Comment 25) :
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Thank goodness we have a good backup scrummy too
@sharks_lover (Comment 26) : i just had to!!!!!!! 😈
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😆 @JD (Comment 28) :