Johan Goosen: Tore cruciate knee ligaments
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The Cheetahs were dealt a major blow after star fly-half Johan Goosen was ruled out for at least six months with a serious knee injury.
The Springbok pivot tore the cruciate ligaments in his right knee during a training session in Sydney and Cheetahs back-line coach Hawies Fourie believes the team faces a major challenge to overcome the setback.
Goosen will return to Bloemfontein on Thursday with back-rower Frans Viljoen, who will be sidelined for three weeks after suffering a calf injury in the 27-26 win over the Waratahs last weekend.
But it's Goosen's injury which is the most concerning to the Cheetahs. The 20-year-old was in fine form in recent victories over the Highlanders and 'Tahs, after struggling with his goal-kicking earlier in the tournament.
He returned to action in the Cheetahs' opener against the Sharks in Bloemfontein after being on the sidelines for nearly four months with a knee injury sustained last season. He also struggled with a sore heel which limited his goal-kicking ability.
Fourie said the Cheetahs are devastated by Goosen's latest injury.
"We were doing fitness drills after training and playing against each other," he told the Volksblad website. "Somebody kicked the ball and Johan gathered it in the air. He then tried to side-step one of the guys when his knee gave way."
Fourie revealed that Goosen experienced immediate pain and he knew that the injury was serious.
He stressed, however, that there was nothing wrong with the playing surface on which they were training.
"It was the best field we have trained on during our tour," added Fourie. "Johan's injury was a freak accident and is quite bad. He said it was important that the team got over the setback. "It's difficult for all of us," explained Fourie.
"The challenge is for the team to put it behind us as soon as possible. We can bring in Riaan Smit and Burton Francis to get over the blow quickly."
According to Fourie, Smit will start this weekend's match against the Western Force in Perth while Francis will be amongst the replacements.
Comments
boksmashoffice says...
Very angry about this injury. This boy has to be managed properly. I don't want to be thinking what could have been for Goosen. Get well soon boet.
Posted 17:35 20th March 2013
Ramage says...
I hate seeing young talent like this go down through injury and wish him the best for a speedy recovery. Guys like this are a joy to watch on the rugby field even though playing for the opposition.
Posted 11:29 20th March 2013
logophile says...
Ruck Man, I had the same thought. Sias would be a fine solution to this problem. More power to the Force, though, they need it/him more.
Posted 07:04 20th March 2013
logophile says...
Bummer deal. He is fun to watch. Get well soon, Johan!
Posted 07:01 20th March 2013
philipjfry says...
ffs
Posted 22:26 19th March 2013
ruck_man7 says...
they'll probably regret letting go of sias ebersohn now..knowing all too well that goosen is injury prone..it isnt always wise to attack the line with a heavily bandaged knee...speedy recovery to you mate..i was hoping you'd pair sarel in the bok jersey!!
Posted 21:26 19th March 2013
martinmarais78 says...
Naaikokkie, further both Free State Craven week! Poor Free State had a couple of Currie cups stolen by your plastic import union... You just to blind to admit what the rest of SA knows!
Posted 18:47 19th March 2013
martinmarais78 says...
Ai, ai, Naaikokkie, Both Grey Bloem boet!
Posted 18:40 19th March 2013
NHsaints says...
Poor guy, he's got so much potential if he just stops getting injured...the Cheetahs are in a real mess now, we all know what happened to them last season after Goosen was out of the squad...
Posted 18:27 19th March 2013
daibok says...
Ah, Mr Marais. Can you clarify. Do you mean the 2 players that have never played for Free State and came through the Sharks Academy, one of whom is from Eastern Cape?
Posted 15:56 19th March 2013
Irishzimbabwean says...
Devastating news for both Free State and Goosen - bad luck is following him around right now. Good Luck to the Cheetahs on Saturday - win it for the man who will be watching in a hospital bed.
Posted 10:40 19th March 2013
martinmarais78 says...
and Ladies and Gentleman that marks the end of the Cheetahs 2013 campaign...
Maybe they still had a change if the Sharks did steal their optional No 10 Francois Steyn and Ruan Pienaar as innocent naive 18 year olds...
Posted 10:18 19th March 2013
lawynd says...
The poor bugger can't seem to catch a break...I hope he recovers quickly!
Posted 10:13 19th March 2013