Big trouble for the Stormers as they set out for their upcoming European tour, with the pack taking a significant hit. Tighthead prop Neethling Fouché is sidelined due to what might be a broken arm, leaving a gaping hole in the lineup. Coach John Dobson disclosed the grim news following their recent victory, expressing major concern over Fouché’s condition and confirming his absence from the tour.
Despite the setback, Dobson had reasons to smile as his team clinched a 26-10 win against the Ospreys at home in Cape Town, flipping a halftime deficit to secure their second consecutive win of the season. “This was a pressured game. If we hadn’t got over the line tonight, we’d have needed to win all three games on tour. It’s a relief, but we still need to be better on the road,” Dobson remarked, highlighting the importance of the win.
“I’m thrilled for Wandi. He’s such a good kid and has worked really hard off the ball. He’s had to wait for his chance, and I’m very happy for him. He’s put so much into the team environment.”
Wandisile Simelane shone brightly as he nabbed the Man of the Match title, with his performance at fullback drawing particular praise from Dobson. Looking ahead, the coach noted the game’s conditions were a good primer for the challenges awaiting them in the northern hemisphere, pointing out the need for improvement in their contestable kicking game, although he was satisfied with the set pieces and breakdowns.
As the Stormers gear up to leave, they plan a robust training session in Cape Town before embarking on their tour late Monday. “We’ll work a bit on Sunday, have a proper session on Monday, and then travel that evening. It’s not ideal, but we’ve got three weeks on the road, so it’s the best balance between preparation and recovery,” explained Dobson.
The addition of Springbok talents Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse post-Rugby Championship is anticipated to bolster the squad significantly. Dobson hinted at the strong likelihood of their participation: “They’re available, and I’m sure the temptation to play them will be strong. We need to get wins on the road, and having them back will be a massive boost.”
The Stormers will kick off their tour against the Scarlets in Wales, followed by back-to-back matches in Italy against Zebre and Benetton, aiming to carry forward their momentum and overcome the adversities posed by Fouché’s injury.
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Big trouble for the Stormers as they set out for their upcoming European tour, with the pack taking a significant hit. Tighthead prop Neethling Fouché is sidelined due to what might be a broken arm, leaving a gaping hole in the lineup. Coach John Dobson disclosed the grim news following their recent victory, expressing major concern over Fouché’s condition and confirming his absence from the tour.
Despite the setback, Dobson had reasons to smile as his team clinched a 26-10 win against the Ospreys at home in Cape Town, flipping a halftime deficit to secure their second consecutive win of the season. “This was a pressured game. If we hadn’t got over the line tonight, we’d have needed to win all three games on tour. It’s a relief, but we still need to be better on the road,” Dobson remarked, highlighting the importance of the win.
“I’m thrilled for Wandi. He’s such a good kid and has worked really hard off the ball. He’s had to wait for his chance, and I’m very happy for him. He’s put so much into the team environment.”
Wandisile Simelane shone brightly as he nabbed the Man of the Match title, with his performance at fullback drawing particular praise from Dobson. Looking ahead, the coach noted the game’s conditions were a good primer for the challenges awaiting them in the northern hemisphere, pointing out the need for improvement in their contestable kicking game, although he was satisfied with the set pieces and breakdowns.
As the Stormers gear up to leave, they plan a robust training session in Cape Town before embarking on their tour late Monday. “We’ll work a bit on Sunday, have a proper session on Monday, and then travel that evening. It’s not ideal, but we’ve got three weeks on the road, so it’s the best balance between preparation and recovery,” explained Dobson.
The addition of Springbok talents Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse post-Rugby Championship is anticipated to bolster the squad significantly. Dobson hinted at the strong likelihood of their participation: “They’re available, and I’m sure the temptation to play them will be strong. We need to get wins on the road, and having them back will be a massive boost.”
The Stormers will kick off their tour against the Scarlets in Wales, followed by back-to-back matches in Italy against Zebre and Benetton, aiming to carry forward their momentum and overcome the adversities posed by Fouché’s injury.