Springbok pair Patrick Lambie and Frans Steyn were the two notable absentees from the Sharks squad named on Sunday that will travel to Australia for next week’s Super Rugby qualifier against the Reds in Brisbane.
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Utility back Lambie aggravated an ankle injury during the 34-15 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday, while centre Steyn was ruled out of the remainder of the competition due to a Sanzar ruling – he was signed by the union after the April 1 transfer deadline.
Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit is also not in the 24-man squad after also picking up a recurring ankle problem, while loose forward Jean Deysel has been dropped.
John Plumtree’s men, however, have been boosted by the fitness of another lock Steven Sykes, as well as prop Tendai Mtawarira, a late withdrawal from the Cheetahs match due to a gastro problem.
The pair are part of 13 forwards named, with 11 backline players selected.
The Sharks squad: Meyer Bosman, Paul Jordaan, Louis Ludik, Charl McLeod, Frederic Michalak, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, Riaan Viljoen, Tim Whitehead; Willem Alberts, Jacques Botes, Anton Bresler, Craig Burden, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel (capt), Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Wiehahn Herbst, Ryan Kankowski, Jandre Marais, Tendai Mtawarira, Steven Sykes.
This is a pity for the Sharks and will make it harder than thought for them to get through as wasn’t thinking about Steyn not being available, but their pack of forwards still looks strong so maybe they will have to play a forward orientated game, still think they should win the game but maybe not as confident now. Seems like poor Lambie really struggling with injury, not good for Boks, according to the train of thought in some quarters, if him and the other great flyhalf hope Goosen are injury prone. An ankle injury can happen to anyone I guess but the first time saw Lambie play was really impressed by him but expressed concern that injury problems may blight his career, as impressive as it was I thought his fearless defence may hurt someone his size in the long run in the same way it affected Wilkinson, hopefully after some good rest his ankle injury clears up as Lambie seems to be a class player.
Sharks are going to see their arses without a mirror.
I think they are on a definite up and have the players to top a mediocre Reds team.
Not so sure they can do it gain a week thereafter and all the travelling but my money on them to make the semi’s
Don’t think the Bulls will make against the Crusaders though, their season is above expectations but they going to get their horns cut this Saturday
3 @ Gena_ZA:
I suspect this is as far as the Bulls go too.
Saders at home and peaking at the right time seems to be the thing for the Saders
Bulls have not beaten the Saders in New Zealand for many years, however in SA play-off’s recent history would have favoured the Bulls.
but this Bulls team could also ring a surprise on the day
I will definitely be cheering for them
I really really wish to face them in the final that we can set the record straight 🙂
Good luck to both SA teams
When was Lambie really fit? He play one game then is out for 2? Instead of rushing him back why not send him down to Cape Town to the Sports Institute to let them work on his body. The guy is broken more than Bekker almost and he is about 7 years younger. As for Steyn. How many games did he play in the Super Rugby competition now again? Anyone?
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