Stormers' Bok stalwarts head home
SQUAD UPDATE: The Stormers will be without two key forwards for their Super Rugby Round Eight clash against the Reds in Brisbane on Friday.
Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit are on their way home and will miss the Stormers’ two remaining matches on their Australasian tour.
Centre Dan du Plessis is also on his way home after picking up a knee injury during the Stormers 9-24 loss to the Blues in Auckland in Round Seven.
Etzebeth is struggling with a calf injury, while Du Toit is flying back to be with his wife who is due to give birth.
Ernst van Rhyn, Johan du Toit and Seabelo Senatla have been called up to the squad as replacements.
The Stormers will know the full extent of Etzebeth’s injury when he returns to South Africa
“It’s not too serious. It’s a big year for him [Etzebeth]] and we need him to be 100 percent. I am confident that he will be ready as soon as possible and contribute to the Stormers and the Springboks,” said Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman.
Meanwhile, Bok prop Wilco Louw could also be unavailable for the match against the Reds due to an ankle injury.
“We were a bit worried initially after the match but on Sunday morning he [Louw] was much better.
“He went for scans and he is staying, so we are not 100 percent sure [about his availability] this weekend, but it will be a maximum one week out.
“There is a chance he will be ready for Friday’s game,” Snyman added.
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
