The Bristol Bears will be without a key forward for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup match at Loftus Versfeld.
Tighthead prop Lovejoy Chawatama has been ruled out after suffering a calf injury in last weekend’s 19-17 English Premiership win over the Sale Sharks. The 33-year-old Zimbabwean has been a mainstay for the Bears this season, featuring in all 15 matches and starting the last four.
“Lovejoy did his calf in the game, and he is a big loss,” said Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam. “His scrummaging has really come to the fore, and his understanding of our game and fitness has really come on. He was going really well.
“But George Kloska came back from injury last week and did really well, and we have young Jimmy Halliwell, who has been developing behind that group as well. Like with any of these injuries, the next guy in needs to step up and take his opportunity.”
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There was positive news elsewhere in the pack, with lock Joe Batley available again after serving a one-match ban, while Max Lahiff is fit and able to cover both sides of the scrum.
In the backline, Lam is hopeful that Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit will be fit after travelling with the squad to South Africa.
“Rees looks good. He’s just finishing off the last few protocols, but he should be all clear to play. He’s pretty confident he will make it, so he should be there.”
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However, emerging winger Aidan Boshoff is set for time on the sidelines after a frustrating warm-up injury.
“Boshoff did his calf running around before we even started the warm-up,” Lam explained. “It’s a real shame for him. I encouraged him and told him he had earned his place in the team.”
Photo: @lovejoychawatama/Instagram
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