VIDEO: Massive boost as Stormers get big hitters back
INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Rainbow Cup Round Four encounter with the Sharks.
Having edged the Lions (39-37) in a thrilling match in Johannesburg this past weekend, the Stormers now head to Durban for a match they must win to say within striking distance of the table-topping Bulls.
The team that finishes top of the South African conference will meet the top team from the Pro14 conference in a historic ‘North v South’ Final on June 19.
Backline coach Dawie Snyman told a virtual media briefing on Tuesday that it was “looking good” from an injury point of view.
The big news is that World Rugby Player if the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit is back from his SA Rugby-enforced ‘rest’ last week.]
Also back are locks John Schickerling and Marvin Orie.
“JD [Schickerling] is running nicely and doing well,” he said of the seasoned lock, who injured his ankle in the opening round loss to the Sharks.
Another boost is the return to training of the Springbok second row forward Orie – who was rested this past weekend, after suffering a concussion in the Round Two loss to the Bulls.
With no new injuries, it means David Meihuizen and Ernst van Rhyn – the starting second row in the win over the Lions – will now provide cover from the bench.
The only issue is the ongoing absence of vice-captain Salmaan Moerat, who suffered a neck injury in training a few weeks back.
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Despite not requiring surgery, the Stormers are taking a ‘conservative’ approach with his return to play.
Snyman confirmed that flyhalf Abner van Reenen – who came into the starting XV in place of the injured Kade Wolhuter – has not suffered any serious after-effects from a shoulder niggle.
He suffered a ‘stinger’ in the loss to the Bulls and took another knock to the same shoulder against the Lions.
However, he has been cleared and is available for selection.
Wolhuter suffered a serious ACL knee injury in Round One that required surgery, which ruled him out for the rest of the year.
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- Picture credit: @THESTORMERS
