Two-time World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff’s recovery from neck surgery headlines the DHL Stormers’ injury updates ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Sharks in Durban.
As the Vodacom URC resumes after a four-week break, the Stormers aim to rebuild momentum despite their personnel setbacks.
Kitshoff, who was sidelined from Springbok duty this year, has missed the start of the Stormers’ 2024-25 season after a career-threatening injury in September.
He recently underwent neck fusion surgery, and his return remains uncertain. Speaking in a Stormers conference on Monday, assistant coach Dawie Snyman shared a cautious update on the loosehead prop’s condition.
STATE OF THE URC: Back with a bang!
“We haven’t spoken to the specialist or gotten any feedback from his doctors. The first thing is that we want him to recover, and we’ll take it from there,” Snyman told reporters.
Despite Kitshoff’s absence, the Stormers received a boost with the return of fellow Boks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ben-Jason Dixon for the Kings Park showdown.
“Sacha is back from injury,” Snyman confirmed. “Ben-Jason got injured [against the Glasgow Warriors in round 6] but is looking fine and has been training with the squad.”
Other players are progressing in their recoveries. Veteran prop Ali Vermaak is “looking good for his age,” according to Snyman, while forwards Salmaan Moerat and Deon Fourie are nearing full fitness.
Loose forward Evan Roos is expected back in late December, and Damian Willemse in February.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
