The Stormers XXIII wait to make a call on key injured players for Friday’s must-win north-south derby clash against the Vodacom Bulls XV at Loftus Versfeld.
Captain and flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis (wrist) and scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer (arm) are both still being assessed after last week’s 29-7 loss to the Pumas, with Tom Dawson-Squibb’s men needing a win in Pretoria to keep their Currie Cup playoff hopes alive.
Fullback Dylan Miller was ruled out with a niggle before kick-off at the Mbombela Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the penultimate round of the competition, assistant coach Dewaldt Duvenage said the short turnaround was a challenge for both sides, with the winless Bulls also coming off a shortened week after a 62-52 defeat by the Cheetahs on Sunday.
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The sixth-placed Stormers have options at scrumhalf should Ungerer be unavailable, with Ezekiel Ngobeni and Tian Fourie in the squad.
“Regarding the injuries, they’re still being assessed. Probably tomorrow or the day after we’ll make a call on the boys,” Duvenage told reporters on Tuesday.
Despite the defeat in Nelspruit, he believes the Stormers are improving and can still push for a semi-final spot with victory over the Bulls.
“Today, we trained against the URC side, so it was nice energy,” he said. “Everybody worked really hard in a good session. The boys’ energy is up, they’re positive and we’re looking forward to the Bulls game.
“This one could give us a chance going into the last game against the Lions. We’ve got to go full-out for it. We need to win. We’re going out to get to the playoffs.”
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The Stormers enjoyed plenty of possession and territory against the Pumas but could not turn that advantage into points.
“If you told me afterwards that we’d have 60% territory, 60% possession and only concede eight penalties, I’d take it,” Duvenage added.
“Unfortunately, the result didn’t go our way, but I think we’re improving as a team from week to week.”
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He knows the Capetonians will need to improve again against a Bulls outfit that has scored heavily despite their winless campaign thus far.
“The Bulls are a great side. I think they’re probably second on the list in terms of tries scored, just behind Griquas.
“They’ve got quite amazing backs out wide with nice feet, and obviously they’re getting some experienced forwards up front for this week.”
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
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The Stormers XXIII wait to make a call on key injured players for Friday’s must-win north-south derby clash against the Vodacom Bulls XV at Loftus Versfeld.
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