Kanko and Ashley released

Loose forwards Ryan Kankowski and Ashley Johnson have been released to play in the Currie Cup this weekend, having – earlier this week – been called up as cover to the Springbok camp in Durban.

The pair were drafted in as a precaution after Pierre Spies (groin) and Danie Rossouw (gastroenteritis) were unable to train on Monday.

Both players, however, had recovered sufficiently to take part in practice on Tuesday and reported no adverse effects today (Wednesday) and will be available for selection for this weekend’s clash against the Wallabies.

Johnson has been named at No.8 for the Cheetahs for their match against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday, while Kankowski could be without a game.

The Sharks had already named their side for the weekend’s match against Western Province on Friday and had expected the shaggy-haired No.8 to be involved with the national team.