DHL Stormers injury report – 23/02/15

Elstadt left the field in the 37th minute after falling awkardly and his injury – officially known as a maisonneuve fracture – will see him sidelined for at least four months.

Meanwhile, veteran loose forward Schalk Burger is due back from Japan next week (March 3), with his club team set to play their final knockout match this coming weekend. He could be available to face the Sharks (on March 7) but will definitely be available the following week (v Chiefs – March 14).

The DHL Stormers will head to Johannesburg to take on the Lions at Emirates Airlines Park on Saturday (kick-off 19h10). The team – to face the Lions – will be announced at lunch-time on Thursday.

The full DHL Stormers injury report (23/02/15):

– Flanker Rynhardt Elstadt will be out for at least four months with a maisonneuve fracture.
– Prop Frans Malherbe will be considered for selection after his recovery from a long-term ankle/leg injury, which is actually similar to Elstadt’s injury.
– Lock Eben Etzebeth (chest) is looking good and training well but he is still not 100% and will, thus, not be risked this week. Jean Kleyn (hamstring) is not available this week either after dropping out of the selection equation late last week. Fellow second row forward Manuel Carizza will have another check-up later this week to see if he is ready for a return to action from a shoulder injury which he suffered during pre-season action.
– Wing Kobus van Wyk (calf muscle) is not ready for selection as yet after also picking up an injury during his team’s pre-season programme.
– Centre/fullback Jaco Taute (knee) is on track to make his return against the Sharks (March 7). If not for that match, he should be available for the following week against the Chiefs.

QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH ALLISTER COETZEE:

On Eben Etzebeth (lock) and Kobus van Wyk (wing) still being sidelined with injuries:

“Eben was assessed this morning (Monday) and he is still a bit sensitive. He has been looking good at training, but one can see he is still restricting certain movements.

“Kobus is still not ready and there is no need to put him at risk. We need to be fully satisfied that he is match fit.”

On prop Frans Malherbe’s potential return from injury:

“Frans is looking good and he will be considered for the Lions game.

“He will be returning from a long lay-off and he could be joined by Manuel Carizza. We’ll look at Manuel later this week and then make a call but he is in a far better shape than Eben.”