Cats hit by Erasmus injury blow

The Cats could be without top Springbok flanker Johan Erasmus for a substantial part of the Super 12 campaign, unless a pelvic injury responds to intensive treatment.

The shocking exent of the injury became known on Tuesday when Cats and Lions coach Laurie Mains revealed that medical opinion was that the flame-haired flanker may require surgery.

Cats' team doctor John Patricios confirmed that Erasmus was undergoing treatment in a bid to prevent the need for possible surgery, which could keep him out of the game for three to six months.

"Johan came back from the World Cup with the injury," explained Patricios.

"Initial diagnosis by a Bloemfontein specialist was that an operation was necessary after there was little response to initial treatment. He came to Johannesburg for another assessment and further treatment which, if all goes well, could have him match fit again by close to the start of Super 12 in March, perhaps a little later."

But the worst case scenario is that the pain and inflammation in the muscle area of wear and tear may prove stubborn to clear by more conservative treatment, keeping Erasmus out until at least mid-season.

Already hit by huge defections of Free State and Griquas players to other regional squads, Cats' coach Mains cannot afford to be without a quality player like Erasmus for any part of the formidable Super 12 campaign.

"Yes I am concerned about the losses of so many big names. One cannot but feel the impact of five or six Springboks not being available. Os du Rand, Naka Drotske and Jannie de Beer have all gone to the Bulls, Gaffie du Toit and Albert van den Berg have gone to the Sharks and Brendan Venter has moved to Cape Town," said Mains.

"That's a huge drain on any resources and Super 12 is a big step-up from the level of provincial rugby. But there are some fine young Lions players coming through so that is a positive for us," added Mains.

The Cats coach is upbeat about the recent meeting in Sydney of coaches, referees and rugby officials at which the mooted new law changes were aired.

"The new tackle law wording will work better and help to give attacking sides a better chance to use the ball," he added.