Stormers to rush back their Boks
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will waste no time to rush back Springboks trio for the United Rugby Championship Round six match against Zebre at the Cape Town Stadium.
Hardly back from their November tour with the Springboks, lock duo Salmaan Moerat and Marvin Orie, along with utility back Damian Willemse have to shift their focus to a different challenge.
Orie and Moerat have not had an opportunity in the Green and Gold, failing to make the matchday squad in any of the three Tests – against Wales, Scotland and England.
Willemse’s chance of finally proving his skills to Jacques Nienaber took a disastrous turn, as the utility back sustained a concussion against Wales in Cardiff.
However, the trio will now have a chance to impress Bok selectors during the home leg of their URC tournament.
Speaking in a virtual media briefing, Stormers forward coach Rito Hlungwani revealed the trio have been training with the Cape Town franchise and will be up for selection for this week’s Round Sux encounter with Zebre.
“Orie and Willemse haven’t been around the team for quite some time, so it is very good to have them back.
He added: “It is exciting to have a specialist No.4 and No.5 in the form of Moerat and Orie.
“They are very different players.
“Orie is very experienced when it comes to line-outs. However, he hasn’t played in a while so we hope he is not rusty come Saturday.”
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There are still a couple of injury concerns for the Stormers.
Hlungwani said expeiciend campagner Deon Fourie and youngers David Meihuizen are still on the sidelines.
While Sazi Sandi picked up a niggle on his knee and is also not up for selection this weekend.
Meanwhile, Hlungwani revealed that lock Adré Smith’s eight-week suspension has been lifted.
The 24-year-old lock copped an eight-week suspension in October after a disciplinary committee found him guilty of having bitten Munster hooker Niall Scannell in the 46th minute of the match at Thomond Park.
Video footage showed Smith and Scannell tussling on the ground.
However, replays show inclusive evidence of a bite.
Consequently, the Stormers appeal the verdict and Smith has reportedly been acquitted.
“We have to stick to protocol and let the URC confirm the decision,” Hlungwani said, adding: “Until they announced it he will not be available.
“At this stage, he [Smith] informed me that the suspension has been lifted but we have to wait for a formal statement from the URC.”
@rugby365com
