Springboks and Ulster fans lament Coetzee’s terrible luck
REACTION: After loose forward Marcell Coetzee was ruled out of the World Cup next month with an ankle injury, South Africa and Ulster fans have shown their sympathy after a number of injury-plagued years.
Ulster fans had been campaigning all season for the 28-year-old to make Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad, and their wishes were answered when he was selected for the Rugby Championship. It looked likely that he would make it to the World Cup, but he sustained an ankle injury last week against Argentina which will require surgery and will put him out for 12 weeks.
Fans at Ravenhill have experienced highs and lows since Coetzee arrived in 2016, as he only managed five starts in his first two seasons due to persistent knee injuries. However, he remained injury-free last season, and was rightfully handed a recall to the Springboks. But injury has struck again, and fans of his club and country have highlighted his terrible luck on Twitter.
After being overlooked by Heyneke Meyer for the 2015 World Cup, some fans fear that this was his last chance to compete in the global showcase, as he will be 32 come the 2023 tournament, and given what his body has been through, he may no longer be on the Test radar.
Ulster fans will be hoping that this injury will not keep him out too long, as they will hope that he will make the same impression next season as he did last.
This is what has been said:
Its been really tough for Marcell and you have to feel him. This string of injuries is just not good at all. https://t.co/sVGr47oMbf
— Mvano Mgam (@MgamMvano) August 19, 2019
Such heartbreaking news for such a talented player. #comebackstronger
— Wade Taylor (@wade_taylor) August 19, 2019
Gutted for @marcell_coetzee, such a rotten turn of luck.
— Gordon Graham (@GordyG1984) August 19, 2019
Devastated for him…puts his body on the line every time. Hope he has a speedy recovery and comes home safely to Ravenhill
— daftmare358 (@daftmare358) August 19, 2019
No luck at all. Can’t imagine how Marcell must be feeling right now, especially after such a good comeback season last year. Gutted for him. https://t.co/FgiFv32uVA
— Ross Barnett (@rbarnett08) August 19, 2019
Gutted, the big man deserved better luck. Stay strong @marcell_coetzee 💪 #SUFTUM https://t.co/5vmuDG3kMt
— David Patterson (@DPatz13) August 19, 2019
sad news regards Marcell Coetzee, just can’t catch a break with injuries https://t.co/6uIsGY97u1
— Rugby Digest (@RugbyDigestSA) August 19, 2019
Well, pity for Marcel he is really unlucky with injuries. The others were expected. This does mean that Kwagga is almost certain of going now
— Warface player (@BryceAllies) August 19, 2019
The injury to Coetzee has also raised some questions amongst Springboks fans regarding the balance of the back row, as he could cover both flank and No.8. With Warren Whitely also looking like he will miss the World Cup, there are few options in the eight shirt behind Duane Vermeulen. However, fans also feel that this injury all but confirms Kwagga Smith’s place on the plane to Japan.
It is never nice to see anyone miss a World Cup through injury, but it is made worse knowing what Coetzee has been through over the past four years.
By Josh Raisey
