Bok blow for Sharks
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The Sharks have been dealt another blow with Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach returning to Durban from New Zealand with a fractured hand.
A Sharks spokesperson confirmed to rugby365 that Reinach is on his way home after suffering the injury in the 15-48 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The injury occurred in the first half and, although he completed the half, he was replaced during the break by Conrad Hoffmann.
Coach Gary Gold lamented the loss of Reinach, on top of all the pressure they were under following the hammering at the hands of the Highlanders.
"It’s cruel how sport is – when things are bad they’re particularly bad," Gold said.
"We’ve had an injury crisis but it is an opportunity for young guys to step up to the plate.
"We have some big challenges ahead but other teams have also been in this position before and came out stronger."
Gold has not called in another scrumhalf with Stefan Ungerer and Hoffman providing enough cover in the No.9 jumper.
Meanwhile, hooker Kyle Cooper flew out to New Zealand on Sunday.
Cooper has fallen out of favour with he Sharks management after struggling to deputize for Springbok Bismarck du Plessis during his ban.
The Sharks next take on the table topping Hurricanes in Wellington.On a positive note, the traveling Sharks will be able to select Springbok centre Frans Steyn for the upcoming match, should they so choose, as he completed his six-week ban.
"Frans is available for us this weekend and it’s wonderful to have a guy like him back," Gold added.
"Jannie [Du Plessis] is also back which makes a difference for us.
"So it’s exciting to have guys like Frans, Jannie and Renaldo [Bothma] back and it’s important that we focus on the positives."
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