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VIDEO: Stormers get some tall timber back

The Stormers will get some serious tall timber back when they start a crucial four-match United Rugby Championship home stretch against Connacht in Cape Town on Saturday.

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After this Round 15 face-off, they will also host Benetton, Dragons and Cardiff in Cape Town on consecutive Saturdays.

Sitting in 10th place on the standings, there is just one point and the three teams directly above them – Benetton, Edinburgh and Cardiff, all on 36 points.

Two Irish provinces – Munster (39) and Ulster (37) – occupy positions No.5 and No.6.

Springbok and Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat is one of two frontline locks who have returned from injury.

Moerat, 27 and capped 10 times by his country, suffered a foot strain during the Stormers URC tour last month – which included a win over Scarlets and a loss to Ulster.

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However, according to Stormers defence coach Norman Laker Moerat has trained fully with the team this week.

(WATCH as Stormers defence coach Norman Laker gives an update on the available talent ahead of a critical URC four-match home stretch….)

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Also back on the training field and available to face the Irish visitors is seasoned second row forward JD Schickerling, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since late January.

Potentially also back in the frame is fullback Warrick Gelant (knee strain).

Springbok playmaker Manie Libbok (knee injury) is not available yet, while Seabelo Senatla could also miss the Connacht encounter due to illness.

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Libbok has been sidelined since January 25, when he was taken off the field during the Stormers 12-36 away loss to Leinster.

Midfield stalwart Ruhan Nel is sidelined for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

 

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