Head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb has shed light on several injury concerns following the Stormers XXIII’s 2026 Currie Cup opener, including a forced substitution of Oli Kebble.
Speaking post-match at Cape Town Stadium, Dawson-Squibb moved to ease fears over Kebble after the loosehead prop was taken off early in Friday night’s 25-19 win over Griquas.
“Oli was called off by the match-day doctor; the protocol is ‘Recognise and Remove’,” the Stormers tactician told reporters.
“The doctor had seen something that made him think that Oli must come off the field. Apparently, he had a knock on his shoulder.
“Oli should be fine … he is definitely fine.”
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Recognise and Remove is World Rugby’s mandatory first-line concussion protocol. Any player showing signs, or even suspected signs, of a concussion must be taken off immediately and isn’t permitted to return to play.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson rushed pitchside when the 34-year-old Kebble was replaced by Mhleli Khuzwayo, before returning to his seat outside the coaches’ box visibly frustrated.
Kebble wasn’t the only worry for the Stormers coaching staff ahead of next Sunday’s derby trip to the Boland Cavaliers. Captain and flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis went off at half-time with a knee injury, while No 8 Wandile Mlaba also took a blow to the leg.
“Hopefully JL pulls through alright,” Dawson-Squibb said. “Wandile had a bit of a niggle, but he just walked past [the media room] and he looks fine!
“He had a bit of a knock on his knee, but I think he’ll be OK.”
Friday’s match was settled minutes before the final hooter when Stefan Ungerer crossed the whitewash. But referee Stephan Geldenhuys sent the try to the TMO for several replays of a possible knock-on in the build-up.
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The nervy finish capped a game the Stormers led twice through Vernon Paulo and Mfundo Ndhlovu before a 13-man Griquas almost secured victory.
“I don’t think I’d be sitting here now if that was given as a knock-on,” Dawson-Squibb quipped. “I think one must be careful when one goes upstairs. It doesn’t always mean it’s an infringement.
“If I look at the clip, and I haven’t watched it afterwards yet, but he [Geldenhuys] was right in position. He was in a better position than any camera.
“For me, it was clearly not forward, so we would have been fairly frustrated had that been given as forward.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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