Another big blow for Boks
INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks and Stormers face a nervy wait on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The flyhalf was forced to leave the field in the second half of the Stormers’ 44-21 quarterfinal win over Cardiff at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday after sustaining a serious ankle syndesmosis injury.
The 23-year-old, who is in the running for the top-point scorer award and competing with Lions flyhalf Chris Smith for the title, limped off the field just short of the 55th minute after scoring his team’s fourth try.
*READ: Sacha limps off as Stormers beat Cardiff in semis
In the wake of the match, Dobson confirmed it is a serious ankle injury.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu will still have to undergo scans; an injury like this could keep him sidelined for three months.
This could also mean that he will miss the start of the Springbok season.
“It looks pretty serious, to be honest,” Dobson said.
“They’re obviously going for a scan, but the doctor has given me his view, and it’s a proper ankle ligament injury.
“He was cramping a bit before then [the try], and then [Ioan Lloyd] got him from behind.”
Although it remains a significant concern, Dobson is confident his side will have enough character and determination to meet the challenge of the semifinals.
“It’s a big blow, but we’re going to be OK.
“Jurie Matthee is doing really well in the team.
“You always have blows, but we always sort of get together, gel together and fight, so I think we’re going to be OK.”
The coach also painted a bleak picture regarding the availability of Seabelo Senatla, Ruben van Heerden and Dan du Plessis for next week’s semifinal showdown.
“Senatla is a Criteria 1, so he was knocked out and won’t play next week.
“I thought he was absolutely magnificent. For a guy who’s been out for so long, he was imperious in the air, on defence and with his work rate. It’s a hell of an effort.
“Van Heerden was withdrawn at the break due to an HIA, while Dan has a knee injury.
“So, it was an expensive game.”
