AUDIO: Stormers' Boks remain sidelined
INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers will look to bounce back from their disastrous start to the Super Rugby season, but will have to do so without two key Springboks.
Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman confirmed that Bok lock Eben Etzebeth (back) and prop Steve Kitshoff (hamstring) remain sidelined.
Snyman was speaking to the media at the start of their build-up to the Round Two encounter with the Lions at Newlands this coming Saturday.
“It doesn’t seem like Eben will make it,” Snyman said about the second row forward.
Steve Kitshoff’s hamstring injury is likely to keep him sidelined for at least another two rounds of action.
And Sevens convert Seabelo Senatla (dislocated finger) is also not available this week.
Loose forward Juarno Augustus (ankle injury) we will be given ‘another day or two’ before a call is made on his fitness.
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The good news is the Springbok tighthead prop Frans Malherbe (knee) started training on Monday.
“There’s a possibility that he will be up for selection,” Snyman said of the front row international.
Wing Sergeal Petersen (foot) is up for selection this week and lock Cobus Wiese (neck) will also return.
Snyman admitted that the Stormers – individually and collectively – took a long, hard look at themselves, following the 3-40 loss to the Bulls at the weekend.
He admitted the line-out meltdown was a ‘catalyst’ to the loss to the Bulls and something they have to sort out.
“It is an area we have identified as a team we want to fix,” Snyman said.
“Everyone had a hard look at themselves, not just players – also the coaches,” he said, adding that Saturday is the perfect game to bounce back.
“It is still early days in the competition. It was our first game and it wasn’t a great day at the office.
“We need to rectify a lot of areas and we have to do it this Saturday.”
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