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Sharks’ injury curse continues

The Sharks have lost centre Francois Steyn and No.8 Lubabalo Mtembu for the remainder of their Australasian tour due to injuries.

Steyn suffered a suspected broken leg while Mtembu sustained a shoulder injury during Saturday’s 22-25 loss to the previously winless Highlanders in Dunedin.

The latest injuries continue a cruel campaign of misfortune for the Durban side who have suffered in excess of 15 injuries and have already roped in Lions players Derick Minnie, JC Janse van Rensburg and Andries Coetzee on loan.

"Our injury situation is not good. Our backs are decimated," said coach John Plumtree.

"We've just got to keep going. We've got to get some fit guys organised in time and just get on with it."

Plumtree backed Keegan Daniel for turning down late penalties to draw the game to go for the win.  

"The boys wanted to get four points. Time was up on the clock and we wouldn't have had time to get back down into their territory and win the game," Plumtree said.

"It's disappointing. We looked good when we had the ball and kept it but we had too many little opportunities that we didn't nail.

"You can't doubt the boys' effort but the changing room is a mess."

The Sharks now head to Australia ahead of their final two tour matches, against the Reds and the Western Force.

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