Cats duo in doubt
May 2, 2000

The battle-scarred Cats are back in Johannesburg - already plotting the downfall of the Auckland Blues, who they take on in another must-win showdown at Ellis Park on Friday.

Injuries to No 8 Andre Vos and flyhalf Louis Koen cast a shadow over the Cats' hard-fought win against the Reds. Vos left the field after taking a knee to his face which opened a wide gash. It was accidental - occurring when the in-form Vos went for one of his characteristic big hits - and team management is confident he will be ready to take the field against the Blues.

Koen, however, is doubtful after taking a heavy knock to his hip - his condition will be assessed throughout the week. Mains has called up Boeta Wessels from Griqualand West, who played in the Vodacom Cup final on Saturday. Koen's replacement on Saturday, MJ Smith, was injured playing for Free State in the Vodacom Cup final.

Cats captain Rassie Erasmus praised the grit and determination of his team, especially their defensive effort on their tryline in the final minutes. "I didn't need to say anything to the guys - we all knew what had to be done. The referee said there were just two minutes left and we knew we had to tackle without giving away penalties."

Erasmus said the move back to Ellis Park would work in favour of the Cats. "After coming up from sea-level conditions in Durban, the Reds ran out of legs in Bloemfontein. I think it could be even worse for the Blues in Johannesburg."

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