Injury rocks Kings' play-off hopes
The Southern Kings suffered a crippling blow ahead of their Super Rugby promotion-relegation series against the Lions.
Andries Strauss joined Luke Watson on the sideline after a freak training ground accident, as the Kings stepped up preparation for the first of the two-match series – in Port Elizabeth next Friday, July 26.
The second match in Johannesburg on Saturday, August 3.
Strauss, who has captained the Chiefs in the absence of Luke Watson, confirmed that he is out for the rest of the season.
"Broke my hand in training today [Friday]," Strauss said on his twitter feed.
"Gutted to have to end my season on the sideline. Big couple of weeks ahead." he added.
The Kings' Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons, confirmed the setback.
"It is just an unfortunate accident; he landed awkwardly on his hand," Solomons said.
"Andries is really gutted that he will not be able to take part in either of the promotion-relegation games," Solomons.
It is expected Steven Sykes or Darron Nell will lead the Kings against the Lions in the play-offs.
Ronnie Cooke, Hadleigh Parkes and Waylon Murray are in line for the midfield positions – with Strauss and Cooke having been the most consistent of all the centres in the Kings group.
