Hooker blow for Stormers
Comments
0
Deon Fourie, who limped off against the Bulls on the weekend, is the only major concern for the Stormers as they look to host the Sharks on Saturday.
Fourie was seen holding his hamstring as he was replaced by Tiaan Liebenberg in the second half of the Stormers 16-0 victory.
The Stormers hooker, and occasional loose forward, sat out of training on Monday but has been given until Wednesday to prove his fitness.
Should Fourie not be fit to face the Sharks then Liebenberg – himself recently back to full fitness from a neck injury – will start against the Sharks with one of Stephan Coetzee or Neil Rautenbach coming on to the bench.
Rautenbach has been playing his rugby with the UCT Varsity Cup team for most of the season and could be rewarded with a Super Rugby cap.
Michael Willemse remains injured and will thus not be considered for selection.
Loose forwards Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen all sat out training on Monday with minor chest infections. However, all three are expected to be available for the Sharks clash.
New centre and usual wing Sailosi Tagicakibau (neck muscle spasm) also sat out training today but should be fine for the weekend.
Kobus van Wyk (calf muscle) remains sidelined with his injury.
The following players are still unavailable for selection at this stage: props Steven Kitshoff, Oli Kebble, Frans Malherbe and Brok Harris, hooker Scarra Ntubeni, locks Eben Etzebeth, Rynhard Elstadt, Jurie van Vuuren, De Kock Steenkamp, Gerbrandt Grobler, centres Jean de Villiers and Damian de Allende and fullback Ryno Eksteen.
ADVERTISEMENT
