DHL Stormers injury report – 01/06/15
Ntubeni limped off in the 19th minute of Saturday’s clash and could miss next week’s Sharks fixture in Durban, having initially only been ruled out of this weekend’s meeting with the Lions at DHL Newlands.
In good news, however, Michael Rhodes and Kobus van Wyk are both available for selection against the Lions (kick-off 17h05) – along with centre Jaco Taute.
* Match tickets for this Saturday, as usual still priced between R80 and R140, can be purchased online, at http://wprugby.computicket.com, or from Computicket outlets and Shoprite & Checkers stores nationwide.
The full DHL Stormers injury report (01/06/15):
– Hooker Scarra Ntubeni has a Grade One calf muscle tear and will not be available for this week and perhaps even next week. He will be re-assessed early next week.
– Flanker Michael Rhodes (hamstring) and winger Kobus van Wyk (knee) will both be considered for selection against the Lions after being out of action for some time.
– Lock Ruan Botha (ankle) has a bit of stiffness in his calf and won’t be risked this week. He should be fit for the Sharks match.
– Centre Jaco Taute (knee) came through his fourth Vodacom Cup match in a row and will be considered for Super Rugby selection.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:
On Scarra Ntubeni’s injury:
“It’s a blow, especially in a specialist position like hooker and hopefully he will be available for the Sharks game. However, his injury has opened the door for one of Mikey Willemse or Neil Rautenbach to put their hands up.”
On having the likes of Rhodes, Taute and Van Wyk available for selection:
“It’s a headache (a good one of course), as I said last weekend… (but) who do you leave out now that everyone is fit and available? It’s those decisions we need to make in a tough week with the Springbok training camp on the go, too, with 19 of our players in the camp.”
On hosting the Lions at DHL Newlands on Saturday – in a top of the table SA Conference clash:
“They’re a big challenge – they’re a confident team and playing good rugby. They’ve done extremely well – the Waratahs are not an easy side to beat – and we know we’re in for a tough game against a team that asks a helluva lot of questions of you, especially in the set-piece.”
