DAVID SHAPSHAK, Johannesburg | Tuesday 5.30pm.
SPRINGBOK coach Nick Mallett is worried that ten players from the team who played in the last Test (against England last December) are injured.
“Gary Teichmann, Henry Honiball, Mark Andrews, Christian Stewart, James Dalton, Adrian Garvey, Bobby Skinstad, Andre Snyman, Joost van der Westhuizen and Werner Swanepoel are all in varying stages of the process of recovering from injuries,” Mallett said in his weekly comment column posted on the Sarfu website.
Mallett is hoping all these players are back on the field before the Tri-Nations.
“Their collective recoveries, and the number of further injuries we sustain, will play a large part in how we fair during the international season. As it will for any other country.” Meanwhile, Mallett praised the Northern Bulls for their “stunning win” over the Auckland Blues last weekend.
The Sharks were unlucky not to win against the Canterbury Crusaders, who have become something of the “great escape artists” of this year’s Super 12.
Although he said the injuries to Andrews and Honiball show how tough the Super 12 is. “From a Springbok point of view let’s hope the injuries aren’t too serious and these players are fit and ready when the international season begins in just over a month’s time.
“Looking at this weekend’s games let’s hope the South African teams can go out on a good note. It would be nice for the Bulls and Sharks to finish off with a win and even for the Sharks to sneak that semi-final spot.
“The Cats and Stormers match is sure to be a tough encounter.”