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Where did all the locks go?
08/01/2008 22:50 - (SA)
Hendrik Cronje
Bloemfontein - With about a dozen of last year's leading locks missing, the South African Super 14 franchises are in for tough times this season.
Some have retired, some are playing for overseas clubs while some are still injured as preparations continue for the southern hemisphere competition.
Among those who played Super 14 rugby last year but won't be available this season are Albert van den Berg, Selborne Boome and Geo Cronje, who have all retired.
In addition to lineout king Victor Matfield, who is playing in France, several others won't be available.
Bian Vermaak and Corniel van Zyl, who are playing in Italy, and Francois van Schouwenburg, Cliff Milton and Gerrie Brits, who are in France, are others whose talents will be missed.
Boela du Plooy and Nico Breedt are two other SA locks whose names won't come up for selection. They are also playing for French clubs.
Concerned
The Bulls, last year's Super 14 champions, as well as the Cheetahs, Stormers, Lions and Sharks, will have to do without valuable No 5 locks.
New Bulls coach Frans Ludeke will also be concerned about the fitness of Springbok stars Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw.
The Sharks still have Bok Johann Muller to count on and Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus will be able to call on Andries Bekker and Francois van der Merwe.
Van Zyl's departure is a major setback to the Cheetahs but Barend Pieterse and David de Villiers will hold the fort while coach Naka Drotske can also employ Rory Duncan and Flip van der Merwe at No 4.
But with the lock forward cupboards not overstocked, the coaches and their staff will have their fingers crossed that injuries won't add to their problems.
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Rugby
