The Sharks will be without a key Springbok for the rest of the Vodacom URC campaign.
Head coach JP Pietersen confirmed on Thursday that fullback Aphelele Fassi has been ruled out for up to three months following shoulder surgery.
He picked up the injury during the Sharks’ round eight clash against the Lions at Ellis Park, and has already missed their heavy defeat to the Bulls at Loftus.
“He went for a shoulder operation,” Pietersen said, adding: “So that probably means he will be out for the three months.”
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It’s a frustrating interruption for Fassi, who has been a key figure in the Sharks’ backline, and his absence leaves a sizeable gap at the back.
To make matters worse, the injury opens the door, but not in the way the Sharks would have hoped.
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Jaco Williams initially stepped in at fullback, but he too is now unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury, compounding the team’s selection headaches.
“We’ve got a lot of injuries in the backline,” Pietersen admitted. “Jaco was playing last at fullback against the Bulls, obviously struggling with a hammy problem.”
That leaves Blitzbok Luan Gillmore taking over the No 15 jersey against Munster at the Shark Tank on Saturday, as the Sharks are forced into yet another reshuffle.
Pietersen expects another tight contest. The two teams went toe-to-toe in last season’s URC quarter-final, which was decided in a penalty shootout.
“They’re a quality side with a strong culture,” he said. “They never give up and they showed that against us before. It’s going to be a proper contest again.”
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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