DHL Stormers injury report – 11/05/15

Skipper Duane Vermeulen suffered a stinger during Saturday’s hard-fought 25-24 win over the Brumbies, but he will benefit from the week’s rest – along with the rest of his squad mates.

The DHL Stormers, who are back in first place on the SA Conference log and in second position on the overall Super Rugby log, will host the Rebels at DHL Newlands on Saturday, May 23 (kick-off 19h10).

The full DHL Stormers injury report (11/05/15):

– No.8 Duane Vermeulen (stinger) and flanker Schalk Burger (general bumps and bruises) will both benefit from the week’s break.
– Outside centre Juan de Jongh (hip pointer) came through Saturday’s match with flying colours, after being in doubt during the build-up to the game.
– Utility back Jaco Taute (knee) got fifty minutes for the DHL Western Province Vodacom Cup team at the weekend and came through the match well in his first first-class appearance of 2015.
– Lock Ruan Botha (ankle – two to four weeks), flank Mike Rhodes (hamstring – expected back v Cheetahs, May 30) and wing Kobus van Wyk (knee – expected back v Lions, June 6) will all continue to undergo rehabilitation for their respective injuries.

QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:

On the DHL Stormers’ win over the Brumbies:

“To come back from 16-3 down and (to) win a game having had just one training session (because of the Springbok training camp) shows a lot about the character of this team.

“I’m really proud of the team – the leadership, the management team; everyone. The Brumbies are the Australian Conference leaders, so it was an impressive second-half performance.”

On Duane Vermeulen:

“Duane, like the rest of the squad, will enjoy this entire week off – a rest which comes just at the right time after a heavy workload for everyone.

“We have not had a break since mid-March, which includes our four-week tour of Australasia. It’s been pretty full-on, so we’re looking forward to this week off before three successive home games at DHL Newlands – against the Rebels, the Cheetahs and the Lions.”

On Jaco Taute:

“Hopefully, after getting 50 minutes for the Vodacom Cup team against SWD on Saturday, Jaco will be able to get (another) 80 minutes for the DHL Western Province team in their quarterfinal against the Leopards this coming weekend.

“After that extra game time under his belft, Jaco could be available to us after our bye (against the Rebels).”