Reinach returns, what about Frans?

INJURY to Michael Claassens could open the door for a rapid return to the Sharks for Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who last Friday was one of the shock omissions from Heyneke Meyer’s World Cup squad.

The highly experienced Claassens, himself a former Springbok No 9, was crocked in last week’s win over the EP Kings, and while Stefan Ungerer will probably start against the Pumas at Kings Park on Saturday, Reinach will relish the opportunity to be back in action so soon, albeit off the bench.

Sharks coach Gary Gold started the Currie Cup season as he ended the Super Rugby campaign, by keeping former SA Under 20 scrumhalf Ungerer in tandem with flyhalf Lionel Cronje. But in the last two matches has given Claassens the opportunity to steady the troops.

Media reports have speculated that two other discards from the Bok camp with Sharks connections, Frans Steyn and Marcell Coetzee, would be in the frame for the Pumas game, but this is far off the mark.

Steyn is contracted to a Japanese club and will have no involvement in the Currie Cup and, in fact, might not be in Durban for Super Rugby next year.

He is reportedly looking at his options, and French club Montpellier have declared an interest in the 27-year-old joining them.

The club have already landed the prize signatures of the Du Plessis brothers, Bismarck and Jannie.

Coetzee is recovering from a knee injury, which played a big part in his omission from the World Cup squad.

He is a week or two away from playing, and is on standby for the Boks.

The Sharks host the Pumas at the refreshingly early time of 3pm on Saturday.