VIDEO: Dobson provides bleak update on Malherbe injury 

INJURY UPDATE: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson sheds light on Springbok tighthead prop Frans Malherbe’s latest injury setback.

Malherbe has a history of back injuries. The last which occurred post the 2023 World Cup Final before making his return for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship against Edinburgh on March 23, 2024.

Dobson said that the tighthead’s back woes resurfaced this week and it’s unclear when the Malherbe will be back on the pitch again.

It’s a worrying issue as fellow Stormer and Springbok Steven Kitshoff also had uncertainty over his neck injury, which he sustained in a Currie Cup match against Griquas, which forced the double world champion into retirement.

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“It’s a back thing. With tightheads, when it comes to their backs and there’s scans and epidurals [involved], it’s a moving phase.

“He could play next week, or it could be a long time [on the sidelines]. It’s not a precaution, he’s definitely unavailable.

“We’d be lucky if he plays next week. It’s one of those [injuries] that’s going to require multiple scans.

“He’s been struggling with his posture for a while with the scrummaging and it’s gotten worse [to the point] that he started to get referrals [patterns].

“He [Frans Malherbe] went to the specialist on Thursday so there’s no chance this week or maybe even next week as well.”

Dobson added that Malherbe’s injury opens the door for the 26-year-old Sazi Sandi who he feels is ‘special’.

“It’s a massive opportunity [for Sazi Sandi]. I think he is going to be special.

“The thing with having Neethling [Fouché] and Frans [Malherbe], we’ve probably given Sazi [Sandi] limited opportunities.

“Sazi is special. He’s aggressive, a leader and have a massive presence in this team off the field.

“He’s aggressive in the scrum, on attack and in the carry so it’s actually a very good thing from that point of view.”