Sharks wing S’bu Nkosi has avoided any serious injury despite being stretchered from the field on Saturday after hurting his neck. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

There would have been some worries when play was stopped for an extended period of time in the first half of the match against the Blues last Saturday, with Nkosi receiving treatment after taking a knock to the head.

The good news is that Nkosi was able to come back out to the sidelines in a neck brace before the end of the clash, and it has since been confirmed that he has not suffered any serious damage to his neck.

It remains to be seen whether the influential winger will be ready to return to action as soon as Saturday’s clash against the Stormers, but the Sharks will be mightily relieved that the injury is not as bad as first feared.

‘He had some pins and needles in his arm, but I think he’s going to be alright,’ coach Robert du Preez commented after the match.

Du Preez added that there weren’t any other real injury concerns, while he hailed the Man of the Match performance from Makazole Mapimpi, who scored a second try in as many matches.

‘He was fantastic and he communicates so well on the park. He was unbelievable and I’m really pleased for him.’

#SuperRugby – HALFTIME:

Sharks 19-0 Blues

Aphelele Fassi, Akker van der Merwe and Robert du Preez all scored tries in the first half and the Sharks have a healthy lead at the break.

Live Vodacom #SuperRugby coverage continues on SS1 & DStv Now >> https://t.co/3wUsZ1pF9y pic.twitter.com/nycX65h3GQ

— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) February 23, 2019

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images