VIDEO: Stormers' lock stocks further depleted
INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers, desperate to end their losing streak on their month-long European venture, has had their second row resources further depleted.
Already without captain Salmaan Moerat and departed Springbok Marvin Orie, they have lost another lock to injury in the build-up to their trip to Arms Park and a Round Six United Rugby Championship encounter with Cardiff on Friday.
Lock Gary Porter, who sustained an ankle injury early in last week’s 3-10 loss to Munster at Thomond Park and was replaced after six minutes, has returned home.
Adre Smith, who replaced Porter, will most likely start against Cardiff at Arm Park.
Recently signed utility forward Hendré Stassen has been flown in as cover for the Cardiff outing.
“We have been in this position before,” backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman said, adding: “Losing several players in one position.
“We lost [captain] Salmaan Moerat and now having lost Gary [Porter] places us under some pressure.
“The guys who come in have to step up.”
The Stormers, having lost their first three matches on tour, will look to finish of the trip with a win against a tricky Cardiff outfit – also having to adjust to the artificial 4G pitch.
Like the Stormers, Cardiff are on a three-match winless run.
However, they’ve shared the spoils in two matches against the Stormers.
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