DHL Stormers injury report – 21/04/15

Van Wyk limped off the field in the 29th minute of Saturday’s hard-fought Vodacom Super Rugby clash in Perth (won 13-6 by the DHL Stormers) and he will be unavailable until June.

Fellow wing Dillyn Leyds sat out training on Tuesday (the DHL Stormers’ first training session of the week since returning from Australia), but squad captain Duane Vermeulen – fresh off his two-week rest period – rejoined squad training at the HPC in Bellville.

The DHL Stormers, in second place on the SA Conference log, will host the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Newlands this coming Saturday (kick-off 19h10). The team, to take on the Bulls, will be announced at midday on Thursday.

The full DHL Stormers injury report (21/04/15):

– Wing Kobus van Wyk (patella) will be out of action for six weeks. However, his injury is not as serious as first suspected and he will not have to undergo surgery.
– Wing Dillyn Leyds (shoulder) sat out training on Tuesday. A final call on his participation – against the Bulls – will be made at training on Thursday.
– Lock Manuel Carizza (cut on the inside of his mouth) is once again available for selection after missing the Force clash.
– No.8 Nizaam Carr (cut on the head) came through the Force match unscathed and trained full-out on Tuesday.
– Utility back Jaco Taute (knee) is still following a conservative route ahead of his playing return. He has rejoined split training and should be back in action in two weeks’ time.
– Flank Mike Rhodes (hamstring tear) is responding well to treatment after sustaining his injury on tour against the Waratahs.

QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:

On Kobus van Wyk’s injury:

“It’s obviously a blow to lose a player like Kobus ahead of a big game like this, but we have players like Johnny Kotze, Huw Jones and also Pat Howard who are hungry for a starting opportunity.

“We have a few days to mull over our selection options and will make those final decisions ahead of Thursday’s team announcement.”

On facing the Bulls:

“It doesn’t get much bigger than a North-South Derby in Cape Town.

“We had a fantastic tour and the guys spent some quality time together, but there is nothing better than being back at home in front of our passionate fans at DHL Newlands. We’re certainly looking forward to the challenge!”