Stormers count the injury cost during URC hiatus, with key star set for welcoming return

The Stormers’ injury fortunes do not appear to be improving any time soon, with the United Rugby Championship (URC) still three weeks away from restarting for the Cape side.

Back-to-back defeats against the Sharks before the break stalled their momentum and saw them slip to third on the overall URC standings.

With a challenging return fixture against the Lions at Ellis Park looming, the Stormers require a spark to reignite their campaign when the competition resumes.

That boost could come in the form of several key players returning from injury, with influential midfielder Ruhan Nel topping that list. Under Nel’s leadership as captain, the Stormers opened the season with an unbeaten run in both competitions, but that streak came to an abrupt end following his calf injury — first against Harlequins in the Champions Cup and then in successive URC losses to the Sharks.

One of those defeats also marked the Sharks’ first-ever URC win over the Stormers at DHL Stadium.

Nel’s absence has been keenly felt. His defensive organisation, ability to create space for the outside backs, and calm leadership were missed, but a potential return could strengthen the side at the back.

There is further encouragement with veteran loose forward Deon Fourie, winger Seabelo Senatla and centre Dan du Plessis all set to return to full training when the Stormers regroup after their break. The trio could be available for selection during the remaining local derbies, including the final one against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on 14 March.

However, the injury list remains tough, and this time around, the forwards will feel it more.

Regular captain Salmaan Moerat (toe surgery), lock partner Ruben van Heerden (thumb surgery), and veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach (groin surgery) have all undergone operations. Moerat and Van Heerden are long-term concerns and are expected to be sidelined for at least three to four months, while Reinach is expected to be out for around eight weeks.

The Stormers are expected to take a cautious approach with the scrumhalf’s return.

The loss of Moerat and Van Heerden is particularly damaging, given the side’s struggles at lineout time against the Sharks and in physical exchanges. The Stormers will now have to rely heavily on JD Schickerling and Adré Smith, with Connor Evans and Alex Groves providing additional depth. Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon also remains an option in the second row.

But the break could not have come at a better time. They have the next couple of weeks to assess the damage inflicted by the losses against the Sharks, find some solutions to their shortcomings and start on a solid footing when they head to Gauteng at the end of February.