The Lions have suffered a setback to their Super 14 campaign with the unfortunate news of full-back Earl Rose been forced out for the remainder of the tournament with a shoulder injury.
The Johannesburg-based side will be without their star player for between three and five months.
The injury came about after Rose was hit in a heavy tackle by Blues and All Black winger Doug Howlett a fortnight ago at Eden Park, after a heated confrontation between the two players.
Rose was on the receiving end of a ball been thrown at him by Howlett, but responded with a headbutt on his opposite number. Howlett then targeted Rose with two bone-crunching tackles – one of which seriously injured Rose in the process.
The tackle tore two tendons in his shoulder and required corrective surgery.
Jaco van Schalkyk is expected to continue in the full-back berth in Rose’s absence.
The Lions are also holding their breath on the fitness of in-form lock Cobus Grobler who is struggling with a shoulder injury.
Grobler’s aggressive approach has been missed in the Lions pack and coach Eugene Eloff will be desperate to have his number one lock back in action.
The Johannesburg-based side will be without their star player for between three and five months.
The injury came about after Rose was hit in a heavy tackle by Blues and All Black winger Doug Howlett a fortnight ago at Eden Park, after a heated confrontation between the two players.
Rose was on the receiving end of a ball been thrown at him by Howlett, but responded with a headbutt on his opposite number. Howlett then targeted Rose with two bone-crunching tackles – one of which seriously injured Rose in the process.
The tackle tore two tendons in his shoulder and required corrective surgery.
Jaco van Schalkyk is expected to continue in the full-back berth in Rose’s absence.
The Lions are also holding their breath on the fitness of in-form lock Cobus Grobler who is struggling with a shoulder injury.
Grobler’s aggressive approach has been missed in the Lions pack and coach Eugene Eloff will be desperate to have his number one lock back in action.
365 Digital
