Neil Powell confirmed that Siya Kolisi and Curwin Bosch will be sent for assessments as the Sharks wait for further updates on the duo’s injuries ahead of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-finals.
Kolisi and Bosch both limped off in the first half of a 22-22 stalemate against Munster in Durban on Saturday.
The Springbok and Sharks captain appeared to suffer a knee injury in the opening 10 minutes and tried to soldier on after spending some time to get it strapped up, but he was quickly substituted.
Bosch meanwhile, went down towards the latter parts of the first half and the Sharks clearly missed his influence as they surrendered a 19-point lead.
“We will have to wait for the doctors to do a proper assessment on Siya’s knee,” Powell said after the match. “I think [Bosch] has a rib injury. We will also assess him and get the feedback from the doctor. We should know by Monday afternoon what the extent of those two injuries are.”
Powell expressed his confidence that the Sharks would be able to cope without Kolisi if needed, despite his influence as a leader and on-field presence.
“That’s why you have 23 players and not just 15. We have enough quality to stand in for him. Phepsi [Buthelezi] is a really good player. It was unfortunate that we lost Siya so early in the game. He is influential as a captain and player. But, like I say, there is still enough quality in our squad to fill his boots.”
Looking back on the draw, Powell was left frustrated with how his side managed the opening stages of the second half, having been in such a commanding position at half time.
“We were so in control at half time. We didn’t respect the game enough in the 15 minutes in the second half and played in the wrong areas of the field. That’s where it went wrong.
“Munster started to get momentum and belief. We just weren’t clinical in enough in the first parts of the second half to put them away.”
The draw has left the Sharks with a tough route through the Vodacom URC playoffs, starting with an away trip to Dublin to face table-topping Leinster, who are likely to pick a full contingent of Ireland stars.
“Leinster is a quality side. To beat them at home is going to be a massive challenge. We have shown glimpses of what we are capable of. That first 40 minutes tonight was a really clinical performance. If we put an 80 minutes together like that, it will at least give us an opportunity to go away and beat a quality side like Leinster.
“The Bulls showed it last year when they beat them in the semi-finals. It won’t be easy, but it is possible.”
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