FINAL BLOW: Sharks sans Springbok stars
The Sharks have been dealt a massive blow following confirmation that two of its most influential Springboks will miss Friday’s Challenge Cup final.
Three of the Sharks’ Springboks Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am and Bongi Mbonambi. Image: Via Oppo.
Two World Cup-winning Springboks, Lukhanyo Am and Jaden Hendrikse, have been ruled out of the Sharks’ Challenge Cup final against Gloucester in London on Friday.
SHARKS SUFFER SPRINGBOK SETBACK
Director of rugby Neil Powell confirmed on Tuesday that Hendrikse and Am will not participate in the Sharks’ title match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although there was mixed news coming from the Sharks camp regarding injuries.
Am was among the three Springboks who were substituted out in the first half of their play against Benetton at King Park two nights ago, along with Eben Etzebeth and Vincent Koch. Hendrikse is still recovering from an injury he sustained against Scarlets in Llanelli last month.
Am is going to be absent for some time. Powell remarked, “I am not sure the degree of his damage. In addition to a broken rib, he struggles with a shoulder problem. He is expected to be absent for several weeks. For him, the URC and EPCR campaign is undoubtedly coming to an end.
“Losing both your captain and your national team players is usually a huge blow. This season, Lukhanyo has been a huge asset for us. Your senior players should be available for knockout games. Thus, we are rather at a lost.
GOOD NEWS AMID THE GLOOM
The good news for the Challenge Cup finalists is that Koch and Etzebeth should be ready for the championship game, and centre Ethan Hooker is expected to make a full recovery from his ankle injury sustained against Clermont in the semi-final.
“I believe our replacements are competent. Powell stated, “Ethan Hooker has done well to put up his hand and show that he can play at this level.”
The Sharks and Gloucester challenge cup final is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. (South African time) on Friday.
