Cape Town – Hard-running Stormers wing Kobus van Wyk has been ruled out of action for six weeks, after picking up a patella injury against the Force.
Van Wyk limped off the field in the 29th minute of Saturday’s hard-fought 13-6 victory in Perth and will be unavailable until June.
Fellow wing Dillyn Leyds sat out training, but squad captain Duane Vermeulen – fresh off his two-week rest period – rejoined squad training at the Stormers’ High Performance Centre in Bellville.
The Stormers, in second place in the closely-fought South African Conference, will host the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.
“It’s obviously a blow to lose a player like Kobus ahead of a big game like this,” said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.
“But we have players like Johnny Kotze, Huw Jones and also Pat Howard who are hungry for a starting opportunity.”
Coetzee, however, said he still had some time to ponder player selection ahead of the 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.”
Van Wyk’s injury was not as serious as first suspected and he will not have to undergo surgery.
A final call on Leyd’s participation – against the Bulls – will be made at training later this week.
Lock Manuel Carizza (cut on the inside of his mouth) is once again available for selection after missing the Force clash.
Number eight Nizaam Carr (cut on the head) came through the Force match unscathed and trained on Tuesday.
Utility back Jaco Taute (knee) is still following a conservative route ahead of his playing return. He rejoined split training and should be back in action in two weeks’ time.
Flank Michael Rhodes (hamstring tear) is responding well to treatment after sustaining his injury on tour against the Waratahs.– ANA