Center Andre Esterhuizen is out for four to six weeks with a knee injury, but the Sharks will have two Springboks back in action.
Coach John Plumtree provided an injury update on Tuesday following Saturday’s 24-20 loss to the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
Esterhuizen left the field in the 47th minute after being cleaned out of the ruck by Stormers’ replacement center Jean-Luc du Plessis. Jean-Luc du Plessis was penalized for his actions but was carded.
“Andre had a scan. We’re hoping he doesn’t need surgery,” Plumtree said. “He is expected to be out for around four to six weeks, but he will be meeting a specialist to get further information about the injury.”
Full-back Aphelele Fassi, who was transported at the same time as his Bok team-mate, is due to see an orthopedic specialist in Durban with an ankle issue that is a “major concern”, according to Plumtree.
A timetable has not yet been set for Fassi’s dismissal, nor is that of Emile van Heerden, who became the third Sharks player to suffer an injury last Saturday. You will see a knee specialist in Durban.
Also: Sacha needs a break now.
In a major boost to the Sharks, Plumtree confirmed that Bok lock Eben Etzebeth, who missed both of the festive season games against the Vodacom Bulls and Stormers, should be available for the next match against Toulouse at Kings Park on January 11. There is one more shake test to check for concussion symptoms.
Bok Hooker Bongi Mbonambi will have an
Bok center Lukhanyo Am and loose forwards Vincent Tshituka and James Venter must both undergo fitness tests to confirm their availability.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
