Stormers hoping on Springbok boost for Bulls clash

INJURY UPDATE: With Stormers dealing with a spate of injuries at the moment, assistant coach Norman Laker has delivered some good news ahead of the United Rugby Championship match against the Bulls at the Cape Town Stadium.

Speaking to the media during an online briefing on Monday, Laker revealed that Manie Libbok might be up for selection for the North-South derby this Saturday.

Springbok Libbok sustained a knee injury during the URC Round 10 clash against Leinster in Dublin on January 25.

He left the field in the 38th minute and was replaced by 20-year-old centre Jonathan Roche at flyhalf during the 12-36 loss to the Irish giants.

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“Losing Manie quite early in the game [against Leinster] obviously was a big loss for the team,” Laker told reporters.

“He is a general and a Springbok 10.

“Between Jonny Roche and Warrick Gelant, they had to cover 10 and put us in the backfoot a little bit.

“He [Libbok] went off [due to injury], but we also gave him a few extra days due to his compulsory Springbok resting period.

“I do think he will be back tomorrow [Tuesday].”

The return of Libbok is a boost for the Stormers, who have been dealing with multiple setbacks in the backline.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, Dan Du Plessis, and Jean-Luc De Plessis are all on the casualty list.

“Sacha is not back yet. Not certain how long he will be out for,” Laker said.

“Damien is about a month away [from returning].”

“Dan is doing well. Not sure if Dan will be available this week he still has to pass a few medical tests.

“JL is not so great. I’m still waiting to hear from him. I think he injured his hand during the Champions Cup match against Racing 92, when we played them on the 4g pitch.”

Meanwhile, Laker also provided an update on JD Schickerling.

The defence guru revealed that Schickerling is set to be on the sidelines for a while after he suffered a shoulder injury also during the URC match against Leinster in Dublin.

Schickerling has been in incredible form and the news is a major blow for the side.