Stormers count their wounded ahead of Lions clash
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck will be hoping to have a team ready to fire on all cylinders when they face the Lions in a crucial Super Rugby Round 16 match in Johannesburg.
The Stormers go into that match after a 34-22 victory over the Highlanders, but it came at a cost with a few star players struggling with injuries.
The casualty list after Saturday’s game includes captain Siya Kolisi (knee), Pieter-Steph du Toit (AC joint), Scarra Ntubeni (thigh) and Kobus van Dyk (knee).
“At this stage, it’s only Siya that’s going for a scan but Scarra suffered a knock and Pieter-Steph will have to see the specialist again on Monday.
“The other ones [injuries] were just superficial or not too serious. It’s just about management now.
“The last two weeks were physical and it has to be [that way] against these New Zealand teams. We have to show our dominance and the boys certainly put their bodies on the line.
“It was funny, both teams looked pretty tired out there. I think with them not kicking out the ball in play was quite high.
“It was pretty hot out there, that had an effect as well. Both teams look a bit jaded at times but hopefully the injuries are not too serious.”
Fleck added: “Credit to guys like Peter-Steph and Scarra who played the 80 minutes with injuries – Peter-Steph 75 minutes. It just shows that the boys are keen to do well.”
There is also uncertainty surrounding Bongi Mbonambi’s availability for the match against the Lions.
The Bok hooker missed the Highlanders match because of a quad injury.
“It’s going to be touch and go on Bongi. We are hoping that he will be good, but it was nice to see Chad Solomon make his debut,” said Fleck
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
