More bitter blows for unlucky Tuks
At least six of FNB Tuks’ potential first-choice players will play no further part in the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International – that after the unlucky Men from Pretoria picked up a raft of new injuries in their 17-64 loss to the defending champion Maties on Monday.
It was confirmed by FNB Tuks physiotherapist Pieter du Plessis on Wednesday that the injuries to Fanie Booysen (fullback/wing), Gerhard van der Merwe (centre/wing), Aaron Denenga (wing), Ignick Windvogel (scrumhalf), Louwrens Lombaardt (flank) and Tendayi Chikukwa (flank) would sideline them for between four and 12 weeks.
Van der Merwe – who made his long-awaited comeback against the FNB Maties after being out of action with a back injury since October last year – sustained the most serious injury. He fractured his cheekbone after colliding with teammate Coenie Pieterse.
It was first feared that Van der Merwe might have fractured his skull, but this was ruled out after a CAT scan, having spent Monday night in the Medi-Clinic in Stellenbosch. He will have to undergo reconstructive surgery to his face which was still badly bruised and swollen on Tuesday.
Lombaardt – who for all practical purposes dislocated the AC Joint in his shoulder in the 20th minute of the match against Maties – will also have to undergo an operation. In a remarkable display of pure guts, Lombaardt finished the match – despite his injury. He actually put the rest of the pack of forwards to shame by leading from the front the whole time.
Little halfback Windvogel has injured his rib cartilage to such an extent that he will be out action for six weeks and Booysen tore the ligaments in his knee and will be hopeful of returning in May – at the soonest.
Speedster Denenga tore his quad muscle against the Maties, meanwhile, and will be out of action for the next six weeks, whilst Chikukwa picked up a hamstring injury and will be out of action for between three and six weeks – meaning no more Varsity Cup action for him either.
If Tukkies do not qualify for the play-offs, prop Peet Vorster might also have played his last game in the 2010 series against the FNB Maties. He has injured the soft tissue in his ankle and will not be able to play in Tuks’ remaining two group matches against Shimlas and UCT.
FNB Tuks will name their 23 for the match against FNB Shimlas on Monday (March 8) at the Tuks Rugby Stadium – in Pretoria – tomorrow.
By Morris Gilbert
