Cheetahs crippled by new injury curse
The hapless Cheetahs were dealt a number of injury setbacks ahead of their Super Rugby Round 11 encounter with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Springbok fullback Willie le Roux is the latest addition to their growing injury list.
The No.15 has been struggling with an ankle ligament injury for a few weeks and, after consultation on Monday, it was decided to rest the Bok for two to three weeks.
Le Roux also missed last Saturday's heartbreaking (17-18) loss to the Reds, presumably because he was being 'rested' in line with a South African Rugby Union request to keep certain key Springboks fresh for the World Cup.
This setback comes in the wake of confirmation that Bok loose forward Heinrich Brüssow, who fractured his forearm midway through the first half of the encounter with the Reds, underwent surgery on Sunday.
He will be sidelined for approximately three months – meaning it is the end of his season.
Back-up fullback Coenie van Wyk also suffered a ligament injury to his right ankle and will be out for approximately four weeks.
Bok wing Raymond Rhule, who pulled out of the encounter with the Reds at the 11th hour with a hamstring strain, is expected to be out for two to three weeks.
It means the Cheetahs will have to revamp their team for the trip to Johannesburg.
Regular flyhalf Joe Pietersen is likely to be shifted to No.15, with Willie du Plessis or Elgar Watts – himself recently returned from injury – in line for the No.10 jersey.
Other key players still sidelined with injuries include loose forward Jean Cook, along with Boks Teboho Mohoje and Lodewyk de Jager.
Cook (abdominal muscle strain) is making good progress, but not ready to play yet. He is expected to be out for another two to three weeks.
Mohoje (groin injury) is also making good progress and is expected to be out for another three to four weeks.
De Jager (elbow) is also making good progress. His elbow came out of the sling last week.
He is in the final phase of rehabilitation and it is approximately four weeks before he'll be ready.
