Fleck: We are still focused

They are experiencing their worst Super Rugby away trip ever, but the Stormers remain positive they can turn their fortunes around against the Hurricanes this weekend.

After conceding two consecutive 50-pointers – against the Crusaders and the Highlanders – the injury bogey has also struck big time.

Prop JC Janse van Rensburg, locks Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit and flyhalf Kurt Coleman were all forced to fly back to Cape Town.

Janse van Rensburg has torn a bicep muscle and will be out for four to six weeks, while Coleman tore a deltoid ligament in his ankle in training and Etzebeth (calf) and Du Toit (knee) have also been ruled out due to injury niggles.

“The injury list is growing, but luckily we welcome some quality players back this week and we are focused on the challenge ahead,” said coach Robbie Fleck.

Centre Juan de Jongh (above), flank Rynhardt Elstadt, prop Caylib Oostuizen and flyhalf Damian Willemse will all join the Stormers in Wellington ahead of their final tour game against the Hurricanes on Friday.

De Jongh (knee) and Elstadt (ankle) have both recently recovered from injury and will provide some important experience ahead of the clash with the defending Super Rugby champions.

There are also doubts about captain Siya Kolisi who is nursing a shoulder injury, while prop Frans Malherbe will not be available for selection this week due to the Springbok management plan.

The Stormers are still on top of the Africa 1 Conference despite their 57-24 loss to the Crusaders and the 57-14 defeat against the Highlanders where the inability to cope with the high-tempo game of the Kiwi sides was badly exposed.

“We know that we can improve in a number of areas, so the goal this week is to raise our game against the Hurricanes,” Fleck said.