Share

Sharks off to NZ without Coetzee

Cape Town - The Sharks, defeated in Durban on Saturday night, have more bad news. 

Marcell Coetzee left the field just after the half-hour mark in his side's 24-9 loss to the Lions, and the word coming out of the Sharks camp was that we would not be on Saturday's flight to New Zealand where the Sharks will face the Blues, Highlanders and Chiefs on a three-week tour. 

Coetzee was immediately taken to hospital where scans were performed on his knee - the results of which are not yet known. 

But a Sharks representative confirmed to Sport24 on Saturday that he would not be on the flight to New Zealand. 

The franchise would announce Coetzee's replacement for the tour in due course. 

They also could not rule out the possibility of Coetzee joining the side on tour at a later stage, but the medical report would confirm whether or not that highly unlikely scenario was possible.

"It's not looking good. He's gone to hospital, he's had a scan ... it's not looking great," said a concerned Gold after the match.

"We just hope that it's as minor as possible but there does seem to be a little bit of laxness in the knee which does suggest that at very best he won't be ready for next week."

Lock Stephan Lewies, who was pulled from Saturday's starting line-up just before the game with a late injury, is in the squad while Chiliboy Ralapelle is also set to make his first appearance of the season.

Sharks touring squad

Forwards: Tendai Mtawarira, Dale Chadwick, Coenie Oosthuizen, Lourens Adriaanse, Thomas du Toit, Franco Marais, Chiliboy Ralapelle, Kyle Cooper, Etienne Oosthuizen, Stephan Lewies, Hyron Andrews, Jean-Luc du Preez, Daniel du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Keegan Daniel.

Backs: Cobus Reinach, Michael Claassens, Joe Pietersen, Garth April, Lwazi Mvovo, JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane, Andre Esterhuizen, Paul Jordaan, Willie le Roux, S’bura Sithole.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE