Coetzee's tour over before it's begun

 

Coetzee returned to Durban after suffering a tour-ending injury on Friday against the Rebels.

 

He has been replaced by Jacques Botes who joined the team over the weekend.

 

Botes has been an ever reliable presence in the Sharks squad over the years and his experience will be invaluable on tour regardless if he makes it into the match-day 23 or not.

 

Coetzee injured his Shoulder early on in the first half of the Sharks first overseas tour match against the Rebels.

 

He will be assessed on his return to South Africa and the extent of the damage will be determined.

 

The outcome of this assessment will go a long way in deciding Coetzee's Springbok involvement in the June Tests.

 

Coetzee's injury is an untimely one for the flank who has received much praise about the manner in which he has adapted his role  on the field to play more towards the ball.

 

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer made no secret of his desire for Coetzee to mold into a traditional open side flank. 

 

Incumbent No.6 Francois Louw is set to be back in time for the June Tests, but lacking in match practice due to an injury suffered in the English Premiership with his team Bath.

 

These Injuries may just force the Springbok coach to go knocking of forgotten-about fetcher Heinrich Brüssow's door.

 

The Cheetahs man has been in scintillating form since returning from Japan and clearly ticks all the boxes that Meyer is looking for from his open side player.

 

Coach Jake White comes up against his old team the Brumbies this weekend who he helped to the Final of last seasons tournament.

 

White will be looking to build on his teams performance against the Rebels at home as the Sharks became the first South African team to win overseas this year.