Sharks lose Van der Walt, Ndungane to injury

The result saw the Cheetahs go top of the Currie Cup log, while the Sharks slipped down to second. They are now tied with the Bulls, going into round seven.

Sharks coach Robert du Preez cut a dejected figure on Saturday night. His charges were well and truly beaten by a better team on  but the Sharks boss was highly concerned with their poor showing at the set piece.

The Cheetahs scrum in particular was dominant and the Sharks only managed to even the playing field when they replaced struggling tighthead Thomas du Toit. Full credit to the Cheetahs loosehead Ox Nche, who is quickly putting his hand up as a contender for a spot in the Springbok front row.

As much as the Sharks were outplayed, it would be remiss to not make mention of the late changes and injuries they had to contend with.

Regular captain Keegan Daniel was ruled out on the eve of the match with an abdominal strain, while Stephan Lewies missed out in order to rest a hamstring niggle. 

Making matters worse, stand-in captain Philip van der Walt was knocked out cold after receiving the first kickoff of Saturday's match. He was taken for a concussion test and played no further part in the game. Not long afterwards, veteran wing Odwa Ndungane left the field with what has now been diagnosed as a pectoral muscle tear. The injury has ended his season.

 S'bura Sithole picked up a groin strain and will also miss this weekend's clash against the EP Kings.

It's not all bad news at Growthpoint Kings Park as Pat Lambie is nearing his return to play. Sharks doctor Alan Kourie will keep a close eye on Lambie's progress in full training this week - although the doc couldn't confirm if the Springbok flyhalf would be able to play this weekend.

Jean Deysel will also undergo a fitness test later this week for a hip flexor strain that ruled him out of action over the weekend.

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