Van Wyk blow for Stormers

 

Van Wyk limped off the field in the 29th minute of Saturday’s hard-fought clash in Perth (13-6 win to the Stormers) and he will be unavailable until June.

 

His injury is not as serious as first suspected and he will not have to undergo surgery.

 

Fellow wing Dillyn Leyds sat out training on Tuesday. A final call on his participation – against the Bulls – will be made at training on Thursday.

 

The Stormers, in second place on the South African Conference log, will host the Bulls at Newlands this coming Saturday.

 

“It’s obviously a blow to lose a player like Kobus ahead of a big game like this, but we have players like Johnny Kotze, Huw Jones and also Pat Howard who are hungry for a starting opportunity.

 

“We have a few days to mull over our selection options and will make those final decisions ahead of Thursday’s team announcement.”

 

Squad captain Duane Vermeulen – fresh off his two-week rest period – rejoined squad training at the HPC in Bellville.

 

Lock Manuel Carizza (cut on the inside of his mouth) is once again available for selection after missing the Force clash, as is No.8 Nizaam Carr (cut on the head), who came through the Force match unscathed and trained full-out on Tuesday.

 

There is good news for Jaco Taute, who is still following a conservative route ahead of his playing return, but he has rejoined split training and should be back in action in two weeks’ time.

 

“It doesn’t get much bigger than a North-South Derby in Cape Town," Coetzee said of the upcoming match against the Bulls.

 

“We had a fantastic tour and the guys spent some quality time together, but there is nothing better than being back at home in front of our passionate fans at Newlands. 

 

"We’re certainly looking forward to the challenge!”