Courtnall Skosan’s tailspin doesn’t seem to slow down

It’s gone from bad to worse for Courtnall Skosan.

On the crest of the wave by the middle of 2017, when he was a try-machine for the Lions in Super Rugby and made his Test debut for the Springboks, the winger is now in die doldrums.

Having been gradually exposed at international level, Skosan sustained a serious knee injury on Tuesday during training.

In a short statement, the franchise confirmed an ACL tear without mentioning a recovery period.

However, conservative estimates in these cases are between six and nine months.

Skosan’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to coach Swys de Bruin’s plans, given how well the hardworking 26-year-old fits into the system.

But the real headache is the awkward position it places the team in terms of depth at wing, especially with Ruan Combrinck also out until April.

It’s not like there aren’t options available.

Stalwart midfielder Lionel Mapoe has vast experience on the wing, while 20-year-old Madosh Tambwe did make his Super Rugby debut last season.

The underrated Sylvian Mahuza is also a viable option while Aphiwe Dyanti and Junior Bok Wandi Simelane could also come in from relative obscurity.

But the problem is that none of these players are particularly experienced at this level despite some exposure in the Currie Cup.

At the very least then the Lions are going to experience hiccups in this position if not worse.

It’s not an ideal situation for a team still considered South Africa’s best bet in this year’s tournament.

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