Stormers captain Siya Kolisi will not be part of John Dobson’s Stormers side for the clash against the Bulls in the coming weekend.
The Rugby World Cup-winning Bok skipper sustained a hamstring strain while part of a ruck during the win against the Pumas in Mbombela on Friday night.
Siya Kolisi ruled out of Bulls clash
He is set for another spell on the sidelines, this time up to three weeks, after lasting just 20 minutes in the match.
His withdrawal from the match prompted fears of another extended period out of action for the player, who missed a good chunk of the season in 2019.
However, according to Dobson, the latest injury is not as bad as what was initially feared.
“Luckily, it is just a grade-one hamstring so he will be out for between two and three weeks,” Dobson said.
John Dobson, Stormers coach
Key players missing for the Stormers
The Stormers mentor also gave an update of the availability of Kolisi’s back-row partner, reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The prognosis on the 28-year-old was not as encouraging, with Dobson stopping short of ruling him out for the rest of the year.
“I am not expecting him to play in this competition. If we get him for the last two or three games, it would be great,” he said.
“The good news is that the muscle in his leg that affects the nerve is regenerating. That was the big concern and where his career may have been in jeopardy.”I don’t think he will be back on the field in this calendar year. But hopefully early next year.”
John Dobson, Stormers coach
Another player in doubt for the clash at Loftus is flanker Nama Xaba, who sustained an ankle injury.
There were, however, some good news for the Stormers, with Bok flyhalf Damian Willemse set to return after missing the match against the Pumas.
Meanwhile front-rowers Scara Ntubeni and Steven Kitshoff will resume training on Wednesday after being forced to self-isolate, following contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.
