Kobus van Wyk
Hard-running Stormers wing Kobus van Wyk has been ruled out of action for 6 weeks, after picking up a patella injury against the Force last weekend.
Van Wyk limped off the field in the 29th minute of Saturday’s hard-fought clash in Perth and he will be unavailable until June.
Fellow wing Dillyn Leyds sat out training on Tuesday, but squad captain Duane Vermeulen – fresh off his 2-week rest period – rejoined squad training at the Stormers’ High Performance Centre in Bellville.
The Stormers, in 2nd place in the closely-fought South African Conference, will host the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Newlands this coming Saturday.
“It’s obviously a blow to lose a player like Kobus ahead of a big game like this,” said head coach Allister Coetzee.
“But we have players like Johnny Kotze, Huw Jones and also Pat Howard who are hungry for a starting opportunity.
“We have a few days to mull over our selection options and will make those final decisions ahead of Thursday’s team announcement.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than a north-south derby in Cape Town.
“We had a fantastic tour and the guys spent some quality time together, but there is nothing better than being back at home in front of our passionate fans at DHL Newlands. We’re certainly looking forward to the challenge.”
Full Stormers injury report:
- Wing Kobus van Wyk (patella) will be out of action for 6 weeks. However, his injury is not as serious as 1st suspected and he will not have to undergo surgery.
- Wing Dillyn Leyds (shoulder) sat out training on Tuesday. A final call on his participation – against the Bulls – will be made at training on Thursday.
- Lock Manuel Carizza (cut on the inside of his mouth) is once again available for selection after missing the Force clash.
- No 8 Nizaam Carr (cut on the head) came through the Force match unscathed and trained full-out on Tuesday.
- Utility back Jaco Taute (knee) is still following a conservative route ahead of his playing return. He has rejoined split training and should be back in action in 2 weeks’ time.
- Flank Mike Rhodes (hamstring tear) is responding well to treatment after sustaining his injury on tour against the Waratahs.