Update re Stormers injuries

Ex Keo

Lock Eben Etzebeth has fully recovered from a foot injury and will be available for the Stormers’ semi-final next Saturday.

Etzebeth has been sidelined since returning from Springbok duty, missing three Super Rugby matches. According to coach Allister Coetzee, he took part in training last Friday and has been declared fit for the knockout phase of the competition. Etzebeth will resume his partnership with Andries Bekker in the second row, an inclusion that will strengthen the Stormers’ pack.

Meanwhile, the Stormers are still waiting on Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger. It’s unlikely that either will be fit for the semi-final, although Coetzee hasn’t abandoned all hope just yet.

‘Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger are both also progressing really well, but both still remain doubtful starters for the semi,’ Coetzee said on the Stormers website. ‘Both will undergo final assessments on Thursday as to their availability to participate in team training next week and as to their potential availability for the play-off. (WELL THAT IS NEWS TO US ALL. THOUGHT SCHALK WA TOAST FORTHE COMP ETC)

‘We are in pretty good shape, injury wise, for this stage of the competition. It has been a gruelling couple of months. The players have the luxury of three days downtime before regrouping on Thursday for training and preparation.’

Coetzee said on Saturday that the injuries sustained in the game against the Rebels were not serious. Siya Kolisi and Gio Aplon endured heavy hits, but Coetzee is adamant that these men are in no danger of missing the semi-final.

It would be great to have Schalk and Duane in the match 22. Play them in semis off the bench? They cant be match fit? Five them 30 minutes?

I hope vermeulen gets back - he is a great loss to the Stormers.   As for Burger - unfortunately he is unlikely to ever play rugby again - and it would be a disaster to select him and then have to replace him after five minutes on the field.   Raher Fourie than him.

clevermike, I am not sure what you are basing your claim about Burger on, but I am also starting think there is more to his long layoff than we think. He was meant to be back before the England tests, and now six weeks later he is still not fit???? Either that, or the team doctor doesn't know his arse from his elbow.

Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger are both also progressing really well, but both still remain doubtful starters for the semi,’ Coetzee said on the Stormers website. ‘Both will undergo final assessments on Thursday as to their availability to participate in team training next week and as to their potential availability for the play-off.

Who can make any sense of what they are saying. One minute it svery serious re Schalk next he may yet play in the comp!!!  From what is being indicated here his career is far from over Mike.

the stormers medical staff must really be utter rubbish or there is something else going down because i dont understand how these 2 players are almost ready then almost 6 weeks later are still on the sidelines.....