Casper Steyn forced to quit rugby

The Pumas rugby team have been rocked by two serious injuries to their players which have forced both to retire from rugby with immediate effect.

Captain and points machine Casper Steyn has been forced to step out of the game because of a serious neck problem, which brought to an end a long and illustrious career for the fullback.

And if it wasn't enough to lose their inspirational captain, the Pumas have also lost prop Jacques Muller who also has a neck injury and will be forced to retire as a result.

With coaches Danie Gerber and Chris Grobler in hospital last week, things haven't gone very well for the Mpumalanga Union.

It means they will face the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday with a new captain and have had to call on a former retired veteran to help them out in the prop department.

Ashieq Wise takes over the captaincy for the game, with flyhalf Arno Coetzee moving into the fullback role in Steyn's absence.

Up front, with tighthead Pierre du Toit has a torn groin muscle, but he has been included in the team anyway and veteran Hakkies Swart, who had retired, but had returned recently to help out Ferro Metals Rugby Club, is on the bench.

Morne Kruger moves in at hooker, with Ashton Constant back on the bench while Danzel Manuel is now at No8 in the place of Riaan van der Merwe. Paul Schreuder will make his debut for the union at blindside flank.

Teams:

Pumas:

Arno Coetzee; Hyron Thysse, Sam Gerber, Hendrik Meyer, Sasha Marot; Pieter Benade, Ashieq Wise (capt); Danzel Manuel, Jonathan van der Schyff, Paul Schreuder, Jacques Lombaard, Bokkie Swanepoel, Pierre du Toit, Morne Kruger, Simon-Peter Blakeley.

Reserves: Ashton Constant, Hakkies Swart, Stefan Gerber, Riaan van der Merwe, Neil Cole, Quintin van Tonder, BC du Plessis. - Sapa