The Sharks could be dealt a major blow ahead of Tuesday’s Greatest Rivalry clash with the All Blacks, with one of their stars in doubt.
According to Rapport, Springbok loose forward Vincent Tshituka took a heavy blow to the head during a Sharks training session and will have to pass his fitness tests before being cleared to face the All Blacks in Durban.
Tshituka, 27, was included in the Sharks’ 23-man squad announced on Friday after being released from the Springbok camp for the historic clash.
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Sharks coach JP Pietersen selected Tshituka among his replacements for the match.
However, should he fail his fitness tests, the Sharks will have to find a late replacement for one of their key forwards.
More importantly for Tshituka, his availability could also have implications for his Springbok prospects.
Failing his fitness tests could put the loose forward’s involvement in the Springboks’ 23-man squad for the first Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on 22 August in doubt.
It is not yet clear who would replace Tshituka in the Sharks’ matchday squad should he be ruled out.
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Tshituka and Vusi Moyo were released by the Springbok camp to bolster the Sharks for Tuesday’s clash, but the Durban side are already dealing with a lengthy injury list.
The Sharks are already without Springboks Jaco Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse and Bongi Mbonambi, who are unavailable due to injury.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
The post Sharks sweating over Springbok’s fitness appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Sharks could be dealt a major blow ahead of Tuesday’s Greatest Rivalry clash with the All Blacks, with one of their stars in doubt.
The post Sharks sweating over Springbok’s fitness appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
