The Stormers are eagerly anticipating the return of their dynamic Springbok scrumhalf, Cobus Reinach, who has been sidelined due to groin surgery since February. Stormers' head coach John Dobson shared his optimism following a victorious clash against the Dragons, hinting at Reinach's early return.
"Cobus is a different cat," remarked Dobson, reflecting on Reinach's unexpected speedy recovery. "I think he’ll be back much sooner than we think. There’s a chance for Toulon." With the Stormers set to face Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this Saturday, followed by a critical match against Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup last-16 playoff on April 3, Reinach's potential comeback could be a game-changer.
The Stormers' squad has seen a recent boost with several players returning from injuries. Deon Fourie, Ruhan Nel, and Dan du Plessis have all made successful comebacks, adding depth and experience to the lineup. Furthermore, lock Ruben van Heerden is also on the brink of full fitness. Unfortunately, wing Seabelo Senatla faced a setback with a calf injury in the recent match, but Dobson remains hopeful. "It’s unfortunate, but hopefully he’s not out for too long," he said.
"It’s a big relief. At this stage of the season, you normally shrink your squad because every point counts. Now we’ve got guys coming back, which gives us more options and better balance."
The return of veteran loose forward Deon Fourie has been particularly impactful. Dobson praised Fourie's condition, saying, "We just wanted to start Deon for a few games to manage him. But I actually think he’s better now than when he first came back from injury. He’s been sharp and really effective over the ball."
Despite the influx of returning players, Dobson expressed a desire for consistency in team selection to maintain cohesion. He highlighted the benefits of the new U23 competition, which allows teams to field up to seven over-age players, thus keeping senior team members match-fit without disrupting the main squad's rhythm. "That means we don’t have to put guys in [the Stormers match 23] to keep them fit," Dobson noted, using prop Oli Kebble's participation in the Stormers XXIII's 45-14 victory over the Seattle Seawolves as an example.
As the season progresses, the Stormers look set to capitalize on their strengthening squad, aiming for a strong finish in both the URC and the Champions Cup.
2,100 posts
The Stormers are eagerly anticipating the return of their dynamic Springbok scrumhalf, Cobus Reinach, who has been sidelined due to groin surgery since February. Stormers' head coach John Dobson shared his optimism following a victorious clash against the Dragons, hinting at Reinach's early return.
"Cobus is a different cat," remarked Dobson, reflecting on Reinach's unexpected speedy recovery. "I think he’ll be back much sooner than we think. There’s a chance for Toulon." With the Stormers set to face Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this Saturday, followed by a critical match against Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup last-16 playoff on April 3, Reinach's potential comeback could be a game-changer.
The Stormers' squad has seen a recent boost with several players returning from injuries. Deon Fourie, Ruhan Nel, and Dan du Plessis have all made successful comebacks, adding depth and experience to the lineup. Furthermore, lock Ruben van Heerden is also on the brink of full fitness. Unfortunately, wing Seabelo Senatla faced a setback with a calf injury in the recent match, but Dobson remains hopeful. "It’s unfortunate, but hopefully he’s not out for too long," he said.
"It’s a big relief. At this stage of the season, you normally shrink your squad because every point counts. Now we’ve got guys coming back, which gives us more options and better balance."
The return of veteran loose forward Deon Fourie has been particularly impactful. Dobson praised Fourie's condition, saying, "We just wanted to start Deon for a few games to manage him. But I actually think he’s better now than when he first came back from injury. He’s been sharp and really effective over the ball."
Despite the influx of returning players, Dobson expressed a desire for consistency in team selection to maintain cohesion. He highlighted the benefits of the new U23 competition, which allows teams to field up to seven over-age players, thus keeping senior team members match-fit without disrupting the main squad's rhythm. "That means we don’t have to put guys in [the Stormers match 23] to keep them fit," Dobson noted, using prop Oli Kebble's participation in the Stormers XXIII's 45-14 victory over the Seattle Seawolves as an example.
As the season progresses, the Stormers look set to capitalize on their strengthening squad, aiming for a strong finish in both the URC and the Champions Cup.