Notshe called up by Stormers
Sikhumbuzo Notshe has been called up to join the Stormers ahead of their final Super Rugby tour match.
The Cape Town-based franchise face the Western Force in a Round 10 match in Perth on Saturday.
It was confirmed that utility forward Michael Rhodes will return home from the Stormers' tour of Australasia – after suffering a hamstring tear in his team's 32-18 bonus point win over the Waratahs at the weekend.
The tough-tackling forward was forced to leave the field in the 33rd minute and he now faces a six-to-eight-week lay-off.
It is Rhodes's second injury blow of the season, after picking up a knee injury against the Lions in late February.
Rhodes will be replaced in the Stormers tour party by the Western Province Vodacom Cup star Notshe, who left for Perth late on Sunday.
"Michael has a grade two/three hamstring tear," Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said, confirming that the expected lay-off period is at least six weeks.
"It's a huge blow to the team and to Mike, who brings a physical edge to the Stormers pack.
"Thankfully, however, we have a strong squad system at the Stormers and you could see that in the performance of Siya Kolisi this past Saturday – he put his body on the line for the team, as did everyone around him.
"Notshe joined us on tour as a replacement last year [also], so this isn't new to him.
"He's been in great form for our unbeaten Vodacom Cup team, having also made giant strides during the 2014 Currie Cup."
Forwards Manuel Carizza and Nizaam Carr spent time in the blood bin on Saturday – a physical encounter against the defending champions in Sydney – but both will be up for selection this coming weekend against the Western Force.
Flank Schalk Burger (AC Joint) and flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis (mild concussion) will also be considered for selection this week after suffering knocks against the 'Tahs.
"We had some sore bodies after this match, so our first intention is to ensure we field a strong and fit team against the Force," said Coetzee.
"We need to continue improving, as we have on this tour, and will keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard in our final week [on tour]."
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