Injury shake-up for Sharks
NEWS: Sharks coach Robert du Preez’s plans to ease his son, Robert junior, back into Super Rugby were dealt a sucker punch.
The coach confirmed that an injury suffered by flyhalf Curwin Bosch in the pre-season stalemate with the Bulls (the 7-all draw in Ballito) has put a massive spanner in the works.
Bosch, who played in both pre-season outings, was meant to start in the No.10 jersey in the season-opener against the Sunwolves in Singapore on Saturday.
However, a shoulder injury – sustained against the Bulls – means Bosch will not be on the plane bound for Singapore.
“Curwin got a big shot on his shoulder, so he is out of the tour,” Du Preez senior told a media briefing in Durban, ahead of the trip.
Robert du Preez junior will now start against the Sunwolves, even though he has not featured in either of the Sharks’ pre-season outings – a 14-17 loss to the Lions in the SuperSunday outing in Cape Town and last week’s draw with the Bulls.
“We were just managing Rob [Du Preez junior],” the coach said, adding: “You know he is coming back from playing overseas.
“We were probably going to start with Curwin in Singapore, but he got injured now.
“Rob will start for us [at flyhalf].”
Other players out of the trip to Singapore include flanks Jean-Luc du Preez (groin), Philip van der Walt (concussion) and centre Marius Louw.
The coach admitted the humid conditions in Singapore will be “difficult”, but he is confident his team will cope with the challenge.
“We will just have to do the basics really well,” Du Preez said, adding: “Our set pieces will have to function well.
“The breakdown is extremely important and we will have to be really physical.”
Sharks Tour squad: Armand van der Merwe, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Cameron Wright, Coenie Oosthuizen, Daniel du Preez, Gideon Koegelenberg, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, Jeremy Ward, Juan Schoeman, Kerron van Vuuren, Khutha Mchunu, Louis Schreuder (captain), Lukhanyo Am, Lwazi Mvovo, Makazole Mapimpi, Phepsi Buthelezi, Rhyno Smith, Robert du Preez, Ruan Botha, Sibusiso Nkosi, Tendai Mtawarira, Tyler Paul, Wian Vosloo.
@rugby365com
