'Couple of weeks' for Sharks' injured

 

Speaking ahead of their match against the Lions, Director of Rugby for the Sharks Gary Gold said he didn't expect his injured players to be missing for more than a couple of weeks.

Sithole and Botha, who started against the Cheetahs, suffered a rolled ankle and a hairline fracture to the cheekbone respectively.

 

Flank Willem Alberts, who has been suffering from a hamstring injury for an extended period, is also on the mend and looking good to return in the next couple of weeks.

 

The only concern for the Sharks is prop Tendai Mtawarira who has a calf strain that was downgraded from a calf tear after he limped off from the Cheetahs game.

 

On discussing the changes to the team, coach Gold made it clear that the four changes were enforced upon him due to injury and he was not hitting the panic button after an unexpected loss on the weekend.

 

"Beast [Mtawarira] is obviously out with his calf," Gold told the media on Thursday.

 

"S'bura [Sibusiso Sithole] injured his ankle, and Bismarck was picked to play last week.

 

"He has managed to recoverd well and has taken his place back in the team."

 

Mouritz Botha – who was sporting two black eyes thanks to a fracture to his cheekbone – has been replaced by Lubabalo Mtyanda in the starting pack.

 

But again, Gold does not expect the England international to be out for too long.

 

"I am hoping Mouritz and Sithole will not be out for more than two or three weeks," Gold continued.

 

"Botha just has a hairline fracture in the eye socket, which hopefully wont need a plate.

 

"He is still getting a second opinion.

 

"S'bura [Sithole] just rolled his ankle, so hopefully it is just a couple of weeks."

 

Finally, Gold had good news about Alberts who has been missing from rugby action for almost four months.

 

"Willem is coming on nicely as well, so hopefully he will be available for selection in the next couple of weeks."