Star scrum half out for rest of season
The Steval Pumas scrum half, Faf de Klerk, is out of action for the rest of the season.
After returning from Super Rugby duty with the Lions carrying an injury, the original prognosis had him resuming training by the middle of September.
A medical re-evaluation has shown that his knee-ligament injury has not totally healed and he will not be able to play for at least the next four weeks.
With the Currie Cup concluding at the end of October, De Klerk will not be match fit in time to make a contribution.
Coach Jimmy Stonehouse saw the positive behind the negative. “It’s a big loss for us because we know what he can bring to the team, but the guys who are playing now (Reynier van Rooyen, Dylon Frylinck and Sinovuyo Nyoka) are playing very well,” he said on Wednesday.
The coach also confirmed that fiery Griquas flank, Marnus Schoeman, had been signed by the Pumas on a two-year contract. Stonehouse plans to utilise Schoeman, who has previously played the position at provincial level, at hooker.
Schoeman has scored 23 Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup tries in his three years at Griquas.
He is not the tallest of players but is exceptionally strong and fast.
