Dobson on star player: 'We have made plans without him'
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson is preparing for every eventuality in terms of team selection ahead of their United Rugby Championship semifinal against Connacht in Cape Town on Saturday.
Probably the biggest talking point this week has been the availability of loose forward Deon Fourie.
The 36-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in the quarterfinal win over the Bulls last weekend.
After going for scans, the initial outlook was positive at the beginning of the week, but Dobson said things are far from clear cut when it comes to the flank’s injury.
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“Deon is probably 50-50 at best. We will make a call at the captain’s [practice] on Friday.
“It’s tough because there is no tomorrow with it being a semifinal and everything.
“With his own aspirations this year it is probably a tricky risk to take. That is where our mind is at the moment.
“There is no pressure on him. If he wants to play then that is lekker.
“We haven’t ruled him out yet, but we have made plans without him as well, so it is 50-50.”
Dobson added: “His concern is that jackal position, which is how he hurt it [hamstring].
“He can’t even test that [in training]. He can sprint and everything else.
“He feels good but I know there is a bit of worry and he can’t play if he has those worries.”
Another Bok concern
Meanwhile, Dobson also revealed that there were some concerns over lock Marvin Orie, who has a shoulder issue.
“He went for a scan,” said Dobson.
“You saw him go down a few times on Saturday. He trained yesterday [Tuesday] but he was a bit sore today.
“I think he is fine and he wants to play.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the SA Academy squad confirmed that Stormers speedster Suleiman Hartzenberg has been ruled out of the upcoming World Rugby Under-20 championship.
The 19-year-old has been out of action since picking up a knee injury in a Currie Cup game against the Pumas last month.
Dobson confirmed that the 19-year-old suffered a grade three MCL injury and he will only return to the rugby field for the start of next season’s URC in October.
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