The Sharks have just confirmed that Philip van der Walt will not depart for France with the rest of the Sharks squad tonight, after picking up a concussion at training this morning.
Lock Lubabalo Giant Mtayanda will tour as a fifth lock, rather than another loose forward being summoned. This is presumably due to fitness concerns to the likes of Tera Mtembu and Khaya Majola.
Daniel du Preez would now appear to have the inside track on the starting number 8 jersey.
Props: Coenie Oosthuizen, Gerhard Engelbrecht, Juan Schoeman, Lourens Adriaanse, Tendai Mtawarira
Hookers: Franco Marais, Kyle Cooper
Locks: Dave McDuling, Etienne Oosthuizen, Hyron Andrews, Ruan Botha, Giant Mtayanda
Loose forwards: Christiaan de Bruin, Daniel du Preez, Francois Kleinhans, Jean-Luc du Preez, Marcell Coetzee
Scrumhalves: Cobus Reinach, Michael Claassens, Stefan Ungerer
Flyhalves: Pat Lambie, Garth April
Centres: Andre Esterhuizen, Heimar Williams, Johan Deysel, Paul Jordaan
Outside backs: Joe Pietersen, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, S’bura Sithole, Wandile Mjekevu, Willie le Roux
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Thanks Rob, I am glad giant is there as a genuine 4 lock
@sharks_lover (Comment 1) : how did the injury happen?I’m not glad to hear the sharks lose a player to concussion during training.what is this?
@50shadesofshark (Comment 2) : have no idea mate
guess this might see mcduling play at looseforward re: inclusion of mtyanda?
Sad to lose Phillip but hope Giant takes his chance to show what he can do!!!!
@50shadesofshark (Comment 4) : Oh yeah. Could be.
Guys are training hard…..I like that. They must not injure each other though. Keegan could have been an option.
@50shadesofshark (Comment 4) : @robdylan (Comment 6) : think it would be Oosthuizen shifting to cover loose forward.
I’m happy with the squad. I just want to see the centres before I get my hopes up. Optimistic though. Hearing good stuff from the camp. Especially the new guys to the coaching team.
@GreatSharksays (Comment 7) : think Keegan is either not in Durbs yet or not long enough in Durbs to be selected.
Will I be able to stream the matches in France ?
@john (Comment 11) : I have no clue. Still trying to work out if anyone is covering them. Supersport is not.
@john (Comment 11) : @robdylan (Comment 12) : last year Sky sport streamed the game.
@GreatSharksays (Comment 7) : Pretty sure Keegan will only be back in Durbs the same time as the rest of the players from Japan. And would have had no practice with the team.
@Seth101 (Comment 14) : I spotted Keegan at Duke and Duchess in Umhlanga Ridge at lunchtime last Wednesday. I was actually wondering why he was in Durban! Great to have him back in the team
@josefgremlin (Comment 15) : great to hear he’s already in Durbs!!!!!!!