Ex Supersport
Just when the DHL Stormers thought they could look forward to a start to the Vodacom Super Rugby season unfettered by injury concerns, so along came the gods of the sport to dent that optimism.
The Stormers lost hooker Deon Fourie for between four to six matches when he broke his hand against the Kings in Port Elizabeth last weekend, and now physical lock Rynhardt Elstadt and first choice outside centre Juan de Jongh are also on the doubtful list for the opening competition match against the Hurricanes on Saturday week.
There are also injury concerns to Joe Pietersen and Nick Koster as the Stormers head towards the build-up week. Although both players are expected to be fit to face the Hurricanes, the injury toll is a reminder of how important it is to have plenty of depth in the squad.
Of the players carrying doubts, Elstadt is the one most likely to miss the Hurricanes match, which could mean the game will see the Super Rugby debut of another promising aggressive young lock, Eben Etzebeth. However Stormers coach Allister Coetzee does have other options, such as pairing De Kock Steenkamp up with Andries Bekker. (That is no t agood combo. Steenkamp is an ordinary lock. perhaps the yewil lstart with Steen kamp and bring on Etzebeth for a hlaf. I see Elstadt playing 7 as well this season.)
“My big concern is definitely Rynhardt,” said Coetzee after a training session at Florida Park in Ravensmead on Tuesday.
“Elstadt has a grade one tear to the ankle ligament after going over on it against the Kings, so we will be lucky if he can play in the first game. At the moment the prognosis is that he will be out for three weeks, meaning that at the very least he will miss the Hurricanes fixture.”
Should De Jongh also be ruled out of the Hurricanes game, which seems likely as he continues to battle with a sore jaw which is the legacy of a blow received in the pre-season friendly against the Lions, it could see Springbok wing Bryan Habana lining up at outside centre against experienced All Black Conrad Smith. (I think Habana could be a revelation at 13)
Habana was reportedly impressive at No13 in the Port Elizabeth match and Coetzee has indicated that he would have no problem continuing with him in the midfield.
“There is a big possibility that Bryan can start at centre against the Hurricanes. He slotted in well and made just one mistake. He ran straight and hard lines, and if you look at the tries scored by players in the back three, you realise the ball got to the outside,” said the coach.
“But No13 is always a tough place to defend, and he got tested in the one try they scored. He still defended a bit like a wing and that is something he will have to be aware of moving forward. I think Bryan is experienced enough to know that defensively he is outstanding but he has to get his attack to where his defence is.”
Not enough to be concerned about yet but it shows how persistent injuries can ruin a sides chances.
Great to see the queens take a huge thumping. lets hope the queens field their strongest side agains tthe sharkies and get thumped again. I do wonder if SANZAR will complain if a hugely sub standard queens side gets in through the back door. SRFU could be sued.
