The Stormers XXIII are crossing their fingers that two crucial players, Captain Jean-Luc du Plessis and loosehead prop Oli Kebble, will heal in time for the high-stakes Currie Cup game against the Boland Cavaliers this Sunday in Wellington. Both players exited the field during last week's victorious season opener against the Griquas due to injuries, with a knee issue for du Plessis and a shoulder problem for Kebble. They have until Thursday to confirm their readiness for the upcoming match.
At a recent press event, Stormers' forwards coach Helmut Lehmann shared insights on the fitness concerns surrounding the players.
“With Oli, medically he has been checked, he did have a scan on that shoulder. He didn’t train today or yesterday and later this week, we’ll make a decision on his availability, when we get the proper feedback from our doctors in terms of the extent of the injury. JL also didn’t partake in these last two days of training. With a nine-day turnaround between matches, it gives us a bit more time for the guys to sort out their niggles. On Thursday when we announce the team we will likely know, medically, if he can play or not.”
Lehmann also turned his attention to the upcoming clash with the Cavaliers, emphasizing the challenge that awaits in Wellington. The Cavaliers come off a robust victory over the Vodacom Bulls XV, and Lehmann acknowledged the quality of their play.
“Having another opportunity three weeks later for an opportunity to improve gets us excited. They’ve got a proper set-up there and the way they play on Sundays, or any game, it’s exciting rugby and they bring the people to the ground – and that’s where the pressure cooker comes in.”
Discipline issues were a significant concern for the Stormers in their last outing, according to Lehmann. The team's lackluster discipline saw them concede multiple penalties and yellow cards, which almost cost them the game against Griquas.
Stormers hooker Vernon Paulo reflected on the team's performance and the upcoming game dynamics at Boland Park.
“We were very eager to face Griquas and as we analysed in our meetings, that’s not the way that’s going to win us a game, or we’re going to be as lucky as to get back in a game with 12 penalties in the first half. All the teams find it difficult to play at Boland Park on a Sunday, with all the people pitching up. We know there’ll be noise … but it’s about us and delivering on the day.”
This weekend's game is not just a test of physical readiness but also of mental toughness, strategy, and discipline. The Stormers must navigate these challenges to secure a victory in what promises to be an intense encounter at Boland Park.
