DHL Stormers recharged after bye
The DHL Stormers are feeling refreshed ahead of their clash with the Sunwolves at DHL Newlands on Friday following their timeous bye last week.
Head Coach Robbie Fleck said that the bye could not have come at a better time after five tough matches to start the season which yielded four victories.
“We had two tough games in a row in terms of the Brumbies and Jaguares away, so the timing was perfect for the break.
“We still trained last week, but it was a well-deserved break for the boys, they got the weekend off and kicked back with their families which I think was really important,” said Fleck.
The DHL Stormers received a further boost with the news that Cheslin Kolbe is fit to play against the Sunwolves after sustaining a concussion in the victory against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, whilst centre Damian de Allende is also available for selection for the first time this season.
“Cheslin is fine and he is passed fit to play.
“While we were in Argentina Damian was training with the Currie Cup squad, he has worked incredibly hard to get back to full fitness.
“We will look to manage him in terms of getting him back to his peak. It has been a long road back for him but he is looking sharp,” he said.
However, there was some bad news on the injury front with Eben Etzebeth hurting his calf during training on Monday, Jan de Klerk ruled out with a foot injury and Nic Groom sidelined with a knee complaint.
“It looks like we may have lost Eben, he is going for scans after hurting his calf in a line-out session and may be out this weekend, but I can only confirm that after his scans.
“He is in really good form at the moment and he is enjoying his rugby, so if the bye was perfect timing this injury was not.
“Jan de Klerk injured his foot in the game against the Jaguares and will be out for six to ten weeks.
“Nic Groom’s knee swelled up after the Jaguares game so he had to have an injection in his knee so he will be out for nine days, so he will be good to go next week,” Fleck added.
