Reintegration Of Injured Players Crucial For Stormers Ahead Of Uk Tour

The inclusion of their returning injured star players will take centre stage over the next couple of weeks as the Stormers eye a place in the top six of the United Rugby Championship URC.

While still in 12th on the official log, the Cape side will tour for two weeks in the middle of March, before returning to the Mother City for four home games in which they eye full points to boost their knockout bid.

Stars Damian Willemse, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are tipped to return in the next few days to full squad training. They are also expected to be available for both the overseas games. Winger Suleiman Hartzenberg broken hand and utility back Jean-Luc du Plessis, alongside lock Connor Evans, should also come into the picture after recovering from their injuries.

The Stormers will play Scarlets, currently 10th on the log, and Ulster 14th in Wales and Ireland respectively. There will be an eagerness to rope Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu in as soon as possible to get them fit and match-ready for the overseas games. However, given that Feinberg-Mngomezulu has had several injuries, it may be wise to exercise caution with him.

If Manie Libbok is still injured, Feinberg-Mngomezulu will likely take over the 10-jersey. After the outstanding performance of Jurie Matthee against the Bulls in wet weather, and the conditions in Wales that might suit a tight game, it could pay to keep Matthee in the saddle and gradually introduce Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willeme.