Stormers coach reveals 'devastating' injury news
INJURY UPDATE: Stormers head coach John Dobson confirmed that highly-rated flank Nama Xaba will play no further part in the Rainbow Cup after he suffered an ankle injury in training this week.
It’s another huge blow for the 23-year-old, who has been plagued with injuries during his career so far.
Xaba started in the No.6 jersey in the 30-33 defeat to the Sharks in Round One and he has impressed many fans with his performance on the field.
“He won’t play again in this competition,” Dobson told reporters on Friday. “It’s a minimum of six weeks [out], it could be more.
“It was devastating for the team. I felt a little bit teary, to be honest.
“He has just been through so much and he is so exciting and so good. To see a player collapse on the field in tears is tough.”
With Xaba out, the 21-year-old Marcel Theunissen will be wearing the No.6 jersey.
“Marcel is not as much of a stealer as Nama but he has got X-factor on attack and a massive work rate,” Dobson added.
“He just has to look after our ball and we have been so impressed with him this year, so it is an opportunity
“There has also been a directive from the refereeing body that maybe [breakdown] steals were easily rewarded last week in the Rainbow Cup in the north and south. So, maybe it’s going to be a little bit harder to get the steals that were happening last week, which might suit us this week without Nama.”
More injuries
Meanwhile, Dobson has opened up on the other injuries in his squad.
“We hope JD [Shickerling] will be back next week. He has got a small tweak to his ankle.
“Kade Wolhuter [knee] obviously is a really serious injury and he will be out for the best part of a year.
“Herschel [Jantjies] should be ok for next week and Ruhan Nel will be back from Sevens the week after next.
“Ali Vermaak might make next week. He has got a really stiff neck,” said Dobson
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