Injuries hamper Stormers’ progress
THE STORMERS have been hit by injuries yet again, but they will also be boosted by a few exciting players returning from injury for their home clash against an “extremely tough” Cheetahs side.
Tighthead prop Wilco Louw (sternum injury) and lock JD Schickerling (concussion) are all unlikely to feature against the Cheetahs on Saturday after sustaining injuries during the Stormers’ 44-31 win over the Sunwolves in Singapore. Moreover, it was confirmed yesterday that wing Seabelo Senatla would be out for four to six weeks, and loose forward Rynhardt Elstadt sidelined for three months (both ankle).
But Stormers coach Robbie Fleck confirmed that SP Marais, Cheslin Kolbe, Jano Vermaak and Nizaam Carr were all fit and ready for the encounter. Senatla, who started in his first game for the Stormers this season, showed some positive signs against the Sunwolves and produced a few thrilling runs, while he also worked hard off the ball.
“He got injured quite early in the game, but he played through it. The pace that he showed was good and in broken play he was deadly. There’s still a few things that we need to work on to get him back into the XVs, but he showed glimpses of what he can do,” Fleck said.
The coach also said that all the injuries the team have had to deal with also brought something positive, in that the younger, more inexperienced guys get to step up in the regulars’ absence. “The squad is being tested, but it’s good, it’s giving youngsters a chance.”
The Stormers were tested in more ways than one against the Sunwolves. Towards the end of the first half, after being 24-10 down, the Stormers forwards took control and took the ball through several phases before Elstadt went over for their second try. The Stormers forwards also continued their dominance into the second half, while there were some good touches by the backs.
“They certainly tested us, but the ability of our team to change tactics shows great maturity. It’s exciting, the fact that we can go in there with two different plans and execute them effectively make us a dangerous side going forward.”
“We certainly had plans, and that came into effect in the second half. I felt that in the first half they negated some of the things we wanted to do effectively. Those plans that came through in the second half were a combination of both really – assessing what we needed to change to effectively execute the plan we’ve wanted to execute during the week.”
Fleck also added that they were expecting a tough match against the Cheetahs, and their preparation for the game will also be made a bit tougher with 10 of their players having been called up for the second Springbok training camp.
“The Cheetahs are an extremely tough team to play against. These guys come off a tough loss ... No, it’s not the best time for it, but that’s the reality and what can we do about it. We’ve known about it for some time and it is what it is. We need to help (Bok coach) Allister (Coetzee) and his group prepare, and it’s important that these guys join the camp. We understand that and we respect that.”