VIDEO: Dobson reveals why Cheetahs import's transition needs to be accelerated
Cheetahs import Hencus van Wyk will suddenly be thrust into the Stormers’ frontline in a position he has not featured in this season.
Van Wyk, 33, is one of two high-profile acquisitions revealed by the Stormers last month.
Loosehead Oli Kebble and Van Wyk, who can pack down on both sides of the front row, joined the Stormers squad for the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season.
However, the loss of one-cap Springbok tighthead Neethling Fouché to a fractured arm has forced Director of Rugby John Dobson to speed up the conversion of Van Wyk.
“It might be a broken arm,” Dobson said of Fouche’s injury, suffered in the 26-10 win over Welsh outfit Ospreys at the weekend.
While the results of the scan to reveal the full extent have not been confirmed, Dobson admitted that his Bok prop will not accompany them on a three-match URC tour.
They face Scarlets in Llanelli this coming Friday, followed by back-to-back Italian fixtures – against Zebre and Benetton.
“That’s a big blow for us,” the Stormers boss said.
With their set pieces being a core part of their power game and allowing them ‘easy exits’ when under pressure, the loss of the Springbok prop, Fouché, put the focus on the back-up players in the scrums.
With Fouché on the sidelines, the pressure will be on Sazi Sandi and rookie Zachary Porthen.
The Stormers will now lean heavily on Van Wyk, who has more than 100 first-class games for the Bulls, Blues (Japan), Lions, Sunwolves, Hurricanes (Japan), San Diego Legion and most recently the Cheetahs.
However, he has played in the No.1 jersey for the bulk of the Currie Cup season.
(WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explains his front row conundrum……)
Dobson admitted that Van Wyk’s ‘late’ arrival, with his signing only confirmed last month, meant they haven’t had enough time to introduce him to the Stormers’ systems.
“He still played for the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup semifinal [on September 13],” Dobson said, adding: “They played him at loosehead [prop] the whole season.
“It is taking a little bit of transition time [to tighthead].
“It [the conversion] has to be accelerated now, because Neethling [Fouché] is definitely not going on tour.”
@rugby365com
