Stalwart loose forward and former Blitzbok, Boom Prinsloo has will be out of action for as long eight weeks due to a jaw injury.

Prinsloo sustained the injury during the sides 9-3 loss to the defending champions, Western Province in Cape Town over the weekend.

The solid player underwent surgery on Monday evening to repair the damage.

Coach Franco Smith will in all likeliness name the Shimlas loose-trio of Niell Jordaan, Henco Venter and Tienie Burger in the starting side to face the Peacock Blues in the away match, while of course Gerhard Olivier is also in the mix and could be a starter as well.

Furthermore, Shimlas captain, AJ Coertzen will also not be available for selection due to an ankle injury, while flyhalf Niel Marais could be side-lined for six weeks with a knee injury. This could see either Coenie van Wyk or Sias Ebersohn wearing the number 15 jersey.

Captain Francois Uys told OFM Sport that the injuries at due to the nature of the physical battle against Province in the Mother City.

“There are one or two, but knowing has been confirmed yet.

“We will see how the week progresses but that was the nature of the game, it was very physical, very hard and in wet conditions it tends to get a lot tighter and it was quite tough out there.

“Hopefully most of the guys will be fine by Friday.

Friday evening’s derby at Griquas Park in Kimberley kicks off at 19:10.

Morgan Piek / OFM News