Scarra to make comeback against Ulster?

INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers could call on retired veteran Scarra Ntubeni to face Ulster following the loss of three hookers in their 52-40 United Rugby Championship win against Scarlets.

Described as a “bizarre” game by Director of Rugby John Dobson after the match in which the Stormers lost starting hooker Andre-Hugo Venter with an elbow injury, Lukhanyo Vokozela with a concussion and hybrid Deon Fourie suffering a hamstring injury, the Capetonians might turn to the experienced Ntubeni.

Stormers skills coach Labeeb Levy confirmed that Ntubeni is up for selection and mentioned the other players in contention for selection against Ulster.

*Also read: Stormers handed potential advantage against winless Ulster

“Yes, we did send Scat [Scarra Ntubeni] an SOS call; he just came to training today [Tuesday]. We also have Vernon Paulo who has been training and played as well [against Connacht and Edinburgh].

“There is also the youngster Altus Rabe who has played in the Currie Cup, so they are the three current players who are busy preparing.

“They all came in this morning; we had an off day on Monday so everyone can fully recover. Right now the guys are busy getting their details right regarding the general set-piece plays and the overall structure.

“Those three guys must just step up and play within the system; it’s not only about the individual, and the experience factor will be important.”

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Levy, however, confirmed where Ntubeni is in the pecking order regarding selection and hinted that the Stormers are looking at alternative options.

“Scarra is probably the third choice at the moment [between Paulo and Rabe] in case there’s an injury in training during the week or in the captain’s run on Friday or even the warm-up before the game.

“He’s probably a stop-gap or medical joker, to put it that way, but Dobbo [John Dobson] is looking at alternatives based on the fitness of the other hookers and with the suspension of JJ [Kotze], so we just need to get through this one.

“On matchdays we always have a backup player in certain positions if someone is forced to pull out. Obviously we’ll look around at alternative options, but those three are currently training.”

Regarding Vokozela’s availability, Levy said they are preparing for the worst after the hooker failed his first HIA test on Saturday.

“He is going to do another HIA [head injury assessment] today [Tuesday], but it’s not looking good from what we saw this morning,” Levy told Rugby365.

“I don’t know all the details; our available hookers at this point are the ones I mentioned earlier, so we are preparing as if he is going to fail it.”

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Possible leadership boost with Ruhan Nel

Levy confirmed that regular captain Ruhan Nel could be up for selection, which would be a major boost in terms of his leadership and defensive organisation of the backline.

“He [Nel] will be part of the discussion; that is the plan. He’s missed a few weeks, but they [medical staff] have given him the best possible chance to play this weekend, but it’s not been finalised yet.

“A decision will be made based on that, and I’ve spoken to him; he is quite eager to play, so there is a strong possibility that he’ll play this weekend.”

Bittersweet news regarding Brannas’ hamstring blow

Levy also revealed the severity of Fourie’s hamstring injury and when the Springbok hybrid can be expected back on the pitch.

“He’s not playing this weekend, that we can guarantee.

“With hamstring injuries and the nature in which the injury occurred, it’s always tricky, and the general time on the sidelines is normally four to six weeks, and sometimes longer.

“The medical report said it wasn’t necessary for an operation, which is good, but obviously it requires a conservative approach regarding managing the injury, treatment and rehab protocols.

“But he’s definitely not playing this weekend, and obviously we have the month break, and the reevaluation process will take its course.”