The good news for the Stormers ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup match against the Sale Sharks (3pm kick-off) is that No 8 Evan Roos will make his comeback from injury – but this is countered by concern over Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The combative Roos had shoulder surgery six months ago, but resumed training with the squad a few weeks ago.
Now he is ready for action, and assistant coach Norman Laker said on Tuesday that he is available for selection this week.
Laker hinted strongly that Roos will play off the bench at the Cape Town Stadium, as the coaching staff manage his comeback from a long layoff.
“Evan has been training with us, but I think we must have a slow but sure approach as we get him back onto the playing field,” Laker said.
“Evan is a very impactful player, especially if he gets the ball in his hands.
“He and Marcel (Theunissen) play a similar type of rugby, and the team gets good momentum when they get the ball.
“We’ve all seen what Evan can do if he gets the ball. He’s scored some very impressive tries for the Stormers, sometimes running almost 50 metres. His energy on attack is great for the team.”
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was injured early after taking a blow to the chest in the United Rugby Championship match against the Sharks on December 21. He soldiered on for a while before disconsolately leaving the field.
Laker said the flyhalf-centre would not play against Sale.
“Sacha has not been training with us this week, and I am not exactly sure what his status is,” the defence coach said.
“At Friday’s press conference, Dobbo (head coach John Dobson) will be able to give clarity on when Sacha will play again.
“I am not 100 percent certain on what his injury is and how long he will be out for – whether it is one day, one week or a couple of weeks,” Laker added.
“We are still awaiting the results of an assessment of the injury.
“But rugby is not an individual sport, it’s a team sport. Snd with Sacha out, there are other guys who can put their hands up.
“Jean-Luc (du Plessis) showed us that in the last two games. When Sacha went off, he played 60, 70-odd minutes.”
Laker said that another Du Plessis is nearing full fitness.
“It’s 50-50 if Dan goes on tour next week,” he said. “He’ll take his time when he comes back, so that he is 100 percent fit.
“A knee injury is not nice, so sometimes you rather take an extra week off or risk nine months on the sidelines.”
Another injury to Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the long-term injury to Damian Willemse are blows to the Storrmers, but it has not stopped the Cape team from turning around their fortunes after a miserable start to the season.
They need all the good form they can muster because they are away to Racing 92 in Paris next week, and then journey to Dublin for the tough challenge of playing URC log leaders Leinster.
The Stormers have to beat Sale on Saturday in Cape Town to stay alive in the Champions Cup after beginning their campaign with two losses.
Laker was asked if his team were in playoff mode.
“We play every game to win, and we have some confidence back (after two URC wins). But yes, every game in our hands at the moment is a playoff game, so it’s important to get a win – and we’ll try our best to do so.” | Independent Media Sport