Province lower concussion fears
INJURY UPDATE: Winless Western Province went from five concussions to just one.
The improved medical status comes as the Cape Town province look to end their losing run in South Africa’s premier domestic competition.
WP, after back-to-back last-minute losses to the Bulls (20-22 at Newlands) and Lions (19-22 at Ellis Park) will look to end that run against the Pumas in Cape Town on Friday.
The latest medical report revealed that only replacement prop Neethling Fouche – who was taken to hospital after being helped from the field in Johannesburg – has suffered a concussion.
Province coach John Dobson – in his post-match reaction – listed Neethling as the most serious case.
Other concussion worries included hookers Mbongeni Mbonambi and Siyabonga Ntubeni, along with lock Salmaaan Moerat and No.8 Juarno Augustus were all concussed.
WP skills coach Labeeb Levy, in a mid-week briefing, said only Fouche is now listed as being concussed.
“He took a head knock and struggled to get up,” Levy told a virtual media briefing.
“We’re still evaluating the others that had niggles, bumps and bruises and waiting on the medical team to write their final reports.
“Salmaan [Moerat] went off with a knock and went for the concussion test, which he passed.
“He could actually have come back on, but at that stage of the game the coaches felt they wanted to give the replacements a run at that point in time.”
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The other good news for Province is that Sevens Springbok Seabelo Senatla will not require surgery to his injured knee – which Dobson described as an MCL problem.
Dobson said his team had been “massacred” injury-wise in their loss to the Lions.
It now seems only Fouche and Senatla will miss Friday’s clash with the Pumas at Newlands.
“The only other injury concern is Seabelo Senatla, who is out with an MCL injury,” Levy said.
“We’re still waiting for the final results of the scan but it’s [likely] a grade one or two [tear].”
Fit-again Sergeal Petersen could replace Senatla.
Other back-ups include Leolin Zas, Sihle Njezula and Tristan Leyds.
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