Bad news for Vodacom Stormers

Wing Tonderai Chavhanga will be out for at least four weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the victory over the Hurricanes at Newlands the past Saturday.

The news regarding prop JD Moller was even worse – he will be out for four months after dislocating a shoulder in the same game.

Coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday admitted the loss of those stalwarts was a massive setback, but still tried to put on a brave face.

The Stormers play against the Highlanders at Newlands on Saturday.

“It is a huge setback, but we have to deal with it. It is sad for Toni, but it opens up an opportunity for another guy,” commented Erasmus.

“The nice thing about it is that Tondi set a high standard for the next game to try and improve on. The same goes for JD.

“He means a lot to the team, not only for the good rugby he played, but also his professionalism and his work ethic. Now the challenge is there for the rest of the guys to prove themselves.

“Schalk (Ferreira), Brian (Mujati) and Brok (Harris) must just now go and do the business.”

At wing the coach has the talents of Dylan des Fountain, Gio Aplon and Joe Pietersen at his disposal. Erasmus didn’t call up any player from outside the squad and confirmed that he would consider one of these three at the wing.

Erasmus also said there were no other serious injuries reported at training on Monday, except for the usual niggles after a game.

Mujati left the field during the second half on Saturday, but Erasmus explained that the former Lions star just suffered from cramps.