Teboho Mohoje
The Toyota Cheetahs were given a massive setback Wednesday when their worst fears about the injury to Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje filtered through.
Mohoje tore his groin muscle in the big loss in Christchurch against the Crusaders on Saturday and will need surgery as soon as possible.
The big Springbok flanker has already left the side en route back to Bloemfontein to see a specialist and prepare for the surgery, but the initial diagnosis is that he will be out for at least 8 to 12 weeks.
The Cheetahs have called up Shimlas flanker Tienie Burger to join the side but it is clear Mohoje’s injury has hit them hard.
The Bok is unlikely to play again in this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby competition, although depending on his rehabilitation there is a slight chance he could return to the field for the last 2 games of their campaign… all of which creates another headache for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
Mohoje emerged through the Super Rugby competition as a virtual unknown last year, scoring an exceptional try against the same Crusaders side in Bloemfontein – a try that was eventually judged the try of the season at the SA Rugby player awards.
He continued to work hard after being called up to the Springbok squad, eventually getting his chance and by the end of the season he was a regular in the starting line-up, taking the opportunity that injuries to others had presented him.
With the Rugby World Cup around the corner, Mohoje’s form was key for the Bok selectors, especially with just 5 places available for the World Cup at loose forward.
To the Cheetahs credit they also tried to rest him before the Sharks game, in accordance with their agreement with SA Rugby, but a late injury to the young Burger brought Mohoje back into the side.
Mohoje was, ironically, due to rest against the Chiefs this Saturday as coach Naka Drotske has already announced he and fellow Springbok stalwarts Coenie Oosthuizen and Willie le Roux would not be in the match day 23.
There was doubt about the fitness of ex-Lions flanker Willie Britz, who was “looking good” according to the coach, but needed to be cleared by medical personnel before he being included in the side for the weekend.
Britz was key in the Cheetahs 1st 2 victories in the competition before being injured.
Drotske was concerned with the amount of injuries that the team has at the moment, especially now that it includes Mohoje.
“He is one of our Springboks, so it is a big blow for us,” Drotske said.
Other than Mohoje, the team is also without Springbok lock, Lood de Jager (elbow) and Sergeal Peterson (broken jaw). Fringe squad players such as Elgar Watts (knee), Jonathan Adendorf (groin), Boela Serfontein (knee) and Hilton Lobberts (knee) are also on the injured list.
Sarel Pretorius, Drotske’s 1st choice scrumhalf, is also back in South Africa after the birth of his 2nd child this past week. He will only join the team on the weekend.
SuperSport