Double blow for Kings

INJURY UPDATE: The Southern Kings have been dealt a double blow on the back of the side’s spirited 34-41 defeat to the Scarlets in last Friday’s Pro14 Round Seven match at the Madibaz Stadium.

Loose forward Andisa Ntsila, who did not return to the field in the second half, has been ruled out of action for this week’s Round Eight clash against Pro14 defending champions, Leinster.

The 24-year-old back row forward sustained a knee injury in the match and will undergo scans this week to ascertain the extent of the injury.

Tighthead prop Luvuyo Pupuma will also be unavailable for selection this week after sustaining a shoulder injury. The 26-year-old front row forward will continue being monitored by the Southern Kings medical team and is seeing a specialist this week.

“This week we have two new injuries – that of Andisa Ntsila, who hurt his knee, and Luvuyo Pupuma, who has a shoulder injury,” confirmed team doctor Gershwin Kortje on Tuesday.

“The two players will unfortunately not be available for selection for this weekend’s match against Leinster. They are undergoing the necessary scans this week in order to establish the full prognosis of their injuries.”

The rest of the Southern Kings injury list includes: Martin Dreyer (knee), Bobby de Wee (shoulder), Henry Brown (ankle), Michael Willemse (shoulder), Xandre Vos (neck), Sarel Pretorius (foot), Pieter Scholtz (shoulder), Oliver Zono (knee), Sibusiso Sithole (shoulder).

The above players are continuing with their rehabilitation and Dr Kortje is pleased with the progress they are making.