Good and bad news for Investec Stormers

The fullback’s condition will be reassessed on a weekly basis. More bad news is that No 8 Adri Badenhorst is also out of the clash with the Crusaders. The loosie sustained a right knee ligament injury. He too will be reassessed next week.

Two other players who did not feature against the Reds, Hanyani Shimange and Joe van Niekerk, would also not be considered.

Shimange is suffering from a rib cartilage injury. The injury is much improved and Shimmy should hopefully be fit for the match against the Blues on the 23 April.

Van Niekerk is suffering from a left knee ligament injury that he sustained on the Stormers’ overseas trip. His rehabilitation is progressing well.

The Springbok has been cleared by a specialist and is expected to be ready for the Blues game. Lock Quinton Davids is also in doubt for the Crusaders match: He suffered a right ankle ligament injury on Saturday and left the field early.

According to the Stormers medical team he is responding poorly to treatment. They are waiting for the results of the scan Davids underwent on Monday, but the lock is unlikely to be considered for the Crusaders match.

Good news, though, is that flank Schalk Burger is responding well to treatment to his right calf muscle. He is progressing well, but his match availability will be assessed during the week.

Centre Marius Joubert suffered an injury to his left ankle. He has responded well to treatment and will be available for selection for the Crusaders match.

Coach Gert Smal said they would make final calls on the injured players on Tuesday. He said he is not considering bringing in loose-forwards from outside.

“Gerrie Britz can move to the flank and it is likely that Schalk will be ready.”

Smal cancelled the training session for Monday in order to give his players a chance to recover and the injured the opportunity to go see specialists.