The DHL Stormers back youngsters such as Jonathan Roche to make a potential impact for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Dan du Plessis against Toulon on Saturday.
The Stormers kick off their Champions Cup campaign this week with a marquee match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
However, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is ruled out with concussion after last week’s coastal defeat by the Sharks in round 7 of the Vodacom URC, while Du Plessis is doubtful following a leg knock.
Flyhalf Manie Libbok will slot in for Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Jurie Matthee likely to come onto the bench, but it’s in midfield where Du Plessis’ injury could leave a gap.
Speaking during a Stormers conference on Monday, assistant coach Rito Hlungwani suggested replacements like outside backs Suleiman Hartzenberg, Jean-Luc du Plessis and Wandisile Simelane while praising the up-and-coming Roche and Joshua Boulle.
“A concern would be Dan du Plessis, he limped off towards the end of the [Sharks] game and we’re waiting on feedback. He’s doubtful,” Hlungwani told reporters. “[Feinberg-Mngomezulu] suffered a concussion, he’ll be out.
“At centre, we’re sitting with Ruhan Nel, who covers outside centre, Suleiman, JL is around, Simelane is around, Johnny Roche was pretty good in the Currie Cup.
“Josh Boulle is SA U21 and pretty decent; this will be a nice time to show a youngster who has shown potential an opportunity.”
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A busy December period awaits John Dobson’s charges, with a trip to London next week to face Premiership club Harlequins before back-to-back derbies against the Lions and Sharks in Cape Town.
While Damian Willemse remains a long-term absentee, Hlungwani had good news on the availability of fellow Springboks Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe and Deon Fourie, as well as Englishman Ben Loader.
“Ben is still injured but close to coming back,” he said. “Brannas [Fourie] is probably back for the Lions game. Salmaan has been training for the past week or two, he’s probably ready from next week onwards.
“We’ll have a friendly this week against Griquas … we like to get a game in between URC games for those with long-term injuries to sort of integrate them back in. That’s one game we’ll look at re-integrating some guys, and might play another one in January.
“Frans is training. Sti [Sithole] is early next year but he is on the field and doing rehab.”
“The injuries have been a bit uncontrollable for us. But I’ve mentioned a couple of centres who are coming through the system, and it’s our job to prepare the next group of players,” Hlungwani added. “It’s just a test for us, and pushes us to be better.”
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