Etzebeth ready for the Lions den
Comments
0
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth looks set to return from injury for the Stormers when they tackle the Lions in Johannesburg on February 28.
Etzebeth suffered a chest injury in the Stormers 39-31 pre-season win over the Cheetahs and was expected to be out for three weeks.
The Stormers will also be boosted by Argentinean international Manuel Carizza who injured his shoulder in the same game.
Other good news for the men from the Cape is the potential return of two more Springbok forwards in Frans Malherbe and Siya Kolisi as well Kobus van Wyk for this weekend against the Blues.Van Wyk (calf muscle) trained in a controlled environment on Monday, bur more will be known about his participation on Saturday later in the week.
Malherbe (ankle) and Kolisi (hamstring) joined full team training at the beginning of the week. Their match fitness will dictate whether or not they come into the selection mix against the Blues.
Coetzee, while happy about the possible return of his two Springboks and powerful wing, made it clear that match fitness was all important.
“It’s a healthy situation for us, but these players need to work hard in order to make the team," Coetzee said.
"First and foremost, however, they need to be 100 percent physically in a position to produce the good.
"We know their capabilities, that’s certainly not in question.”
There were also no casualties from the weekend, however lock Jean Kleyn is a bit tight from the game.
He was substituted in the 41st minute in order not to over-extend him in his first start of 2015, as was fellow lock Ruan Botha who played until the 49th minute.
Flank Mike Rhodes and backs Dillyn Leyds and Cheslin Kolbe did not take part in training on Monday as part of their management but none are in any selection doubt for this week.
Jaco Taute (knee) is on course to return for the Sharks clash on Match 7 in Cape Town.
The Stormers face the Blues in Cape Town on Saturday and the coach is not ready to let his team's win against the Bulls inflate their ego.
“If you’re arrogant [in this tournament] you will be cut down to size quickly," Coetzee added.
"It’s just one game [that we’ve played]… Just like you cannot be judged on one poor performance you cannot be judged on one good performance."However, what is important is to have belief and to build on that belief.
“We have a good record here [at DHL Newlands] and it is something we would like to keep intact.
"We have a lot pride when it comes to our home record and we would certainly like to start our home campaign on a good note.”
ADVERTISEMENT
