Stormers suffer big blow ahead of tour

The Stormers will be without a key member of the pack for their three-match Vodacom URC European tour.

Coach John Dobson confirmed that tighthead prop Neethling Fouché has suffered a serious injury.

“It might be a broken arm – we’re still scanning him, but it doesn’t look good,” said Dobson after the 26-10 win over the Ospreys in Cape Town. “That’s a big blow for us. He definitely won’t be touring.”

Dobson praised his team’s character after they overturned a half-time deficit to make it two wins from two this season.

“This was a pressured game. If we hadn’t got over the line tonight, we’d have needed to win all three games on tour. It’s a relief, but we still need to be better on the road.”

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Dobson hailed Wandisile Simelane, who starred at fullback and was named Man of the Match.

“I’m thrilled for Wandi. He’s such a good kid and has worked really hard off the ball. He’s had to wait for his chance, and I’m very happy for him. He’s put so much into the team environment.”

Wandisile Simelane

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Looking ahead, Dobson said the performance was a valuable test of the Stormers’ northern-hemisphere readiness.

“The conditions tonight were useful for us because that’s the kind of rugby we’ll have to play up north – tough, grind-it-out rugby.

“Our contestable kicking game wasn’t as sharp as last week [in the 35-0 victory against Leinster], but the set piece and breakdown were solid.

“These were two tough, workmanlike Friday-night wins, and I’ll take that.”

Dobson confirmed that the Stormers will train in Cape Town before flying out on Monday night.

“We’ll work a bit on Sunday, have a proper session on Monday, and then travel that evening. It’s not ideal, but we’ve got three weeks on the road, so it’s the best balance between preparation and recovery.”

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The coach also confirmed that Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and utility back Damian Willemse will join the Stormers squad after completing their Rugby Championship duties.

“We’ll have a few national players linking up with us after the Test at Twickenham. They’re available, and I’m sure the temptation to play them will be strong. We need to get wins on the road, and having them back will be a massive boost.”

The Stormers kick off their tour in Wales against the Scarlets on Friday, followed by a double-header in Italy against Zebre and Benetton.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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