The Stormers are set to receive a shot in the arm ahead of their clash against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday as star fly-half Manie Libbok is set to make a return to action.
Libbok was forced off the field due to concussion in the Stormers’ Champions Cup triumph over London Irish on January 15 and missed the men from the Cape’s victory over Clermont Auvergne in that tournament and their United Rugby Championship defeat to Ulster.
However, Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman confirmed that the Springbok playmaker trained this week and will be in the selection mix for the crucial encounter with the Sharks.
“Manie trained on Tuesday, so he’ll [be in contention]. He still has one or two tests to make sure he gets through the concussion protocols,” Snyman told Sport24.
“But he’s looking good.”
More good news
Apart from Libbok‘s concussion, there were also other injury concerns for the Stormers, especially in the second-row, but that has been offset by Ruben van Heerden joining them from Exeter Chiefs and the return to action of fellow locks Ernst van Rhyn and Gary Porter.
“We got a great opportunity in Ruben coming over to us, which gives us that extra bit of depth. I think he’s shown what he can do,” added Snyman.
“When you think of players who’ve previously played against you for other unions, I always remember Ruben at the Sharks being a very tough player to play against.
“Ernst van Rhyn is looking good and is on track to hopefully be available against the Bulls. Our stock there is starting to look a bit better.
“Gary Porter is also back from the rib injury he picked up against Clermont.
“And this break coming up after the Sharks game will definitely help with some bumps and bruises and to freshen the guys up because we’ve been going for 11 weeks in a row, with a lot of travel.
“It’s been tough on the squad.”