The Stormers will go into Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup showdown against La Rochelle in Gqeberha without one of their most influential Springboks. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
While the Cape side has welcomed several Boks back into the fold, utility back Damian Willemse is unavailable due to a hamstring niggle.
The good news, however, is that the 49-Test veteran is expected to recover in time for the Lions derby on 20 December, but his absence has amplified the team’s depth concerns in a suddenly thin midfield.
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Making matters worse, veteran centre Dan du Plessis has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a serious knee injury, leaving the Stormers to rebuild their midfield combinations at a crucial stage of the season.
Dobson confirmed the extent of Du Plessis’ injury on Thursday.
“He’s got a knee MCL, and he won’t play for at least six weeks.”
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Dobson opted to give the talented Johnny Roche a rare start in the No 12 Stormers jersey, after impressing off the bench against Bayonne last Friday night.
“Dan Dup [du Plessis] is unavailable, Damian’s out and JL [Jean-Luc du Plessis] is also out,” Dobson explained.
“We could’ve gone Ruhan [Nel] at 12 and Wandi [Wandisile Simelane] at 13 who’s done well for us this season, but we think Johnny has something special. His defence is outstanding, it’s going to be a physical game, he’s got no respect for his own body and he’s got the x-factor. Dan could be out for a couple of months so we have to build capacity there quickly going into these derbies.”
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Despite the disruptive injuries, Dobson remains confident that his squad can navigate a tough Champions Cup pool, but also stressed the importance of starting well at home.
“We think we’ve got the squad to get out of our group, and to get out of your group, you need to win your home games. It’ll be quite a blow to us if we don’t get it right.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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