Durban – Aphelele Fassi’s shoulder injury is a big blow for the Sharks, but their coach Sean Everitt has a more than capable replacement in Manie Libbok to fill that void at fullback.
The Shark will face the Blue Bulls at Super Fan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in a clash of the known and the unknown.
This will be the Bull’s first game under Jake White while the Sharks, who have six players out injured, will want to pick up from where they left off in Super Rugby.
While the squad was announced, Everitt confirmed Sevens legend Werner Kok will be starting at wing and will move to centre as the game progresses.
However, the Fassi void is one Everitt still feels can be effectively filled.
“Aphelele Fassi’s injury is devastating because it came at a time where he was being talked up of being a Springbok later this year and rightfully so‚” Everitt said.
“The form he displayed in Super Rugby made him a strong candidate for the No.15 jersey.
“These things happen in rugby and most of these injuries were as a result of bad luck. We’ll miss Fassi‚ but he’ll bounce back.
“Manie is a dangerous X-factor player. He’s really versatile and offers us something in the mould of Curwin Bosch and Fassi. I’m excited to see how he goes on Saturday. He’s been exciting in training.”
