Steyn a major loss for the Sharks

The Sharks have been dealt a significant injury blow after Francois Steyn tore his pectoral muscle in their last match on tour against the Reds. 

Steyn, a Rugby World Cup winner with South Africa aged just 19 back in 2007, has been a senior figure for the side during a torrid campaign in which the Sharks have lost nine of their 14 fixtures to date. 

The injury is likely to sideline Steyn for a number of months, putting any potential chances of him making the Springboks’ World Cup squad also in major doubt. 

Unfortunately for the Sharks the news doesn’t get any better, with Stephen Lewies also a new long-term absentee after he suffered a patella tendon rupture. 

"Unfortunately it looks like they're both going to be out with some long term injuries," Gold told reporters.

"Stephan has ruptured his patella tendon, and Fransie has torn his pectoral muscle. It looks like both will need surgery so that is very disappointing for us."