Marais to miss Blues clash

You are currently viewing Marais to miss Blues clash
Stormers fullback SP Marais

Stormers fullback SP Marais is set to miss the match against the Blues after sustaining a rib injury in Dunedin.

Marais took a knock in the match against the Highlanders last Friday and will go for scans on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The Stormers are not expecting Marais to be available for this week’s clash at Newlands.

Lock Chris van Zyl continues to be monitored after suffering concussion against the Highlanders. The good news is that Bok second-rower Pieter-Steph du Toit and flank Cobus Wiese are available for the game on Saturday.

Du Toit missed the final match on tour against the Highlanders due to illness, having been in doubt after sustaining concussion the previous week against the Crusaders in Christchurch. Wiese also missed the Highlanders match, but has recovered from a shoulder injury and will be available for selection against the Blues this week.

Wing Sergeal Petersen injured his medial cruciate ligament in a Provincial Rugby Challenge warm-up match for Western Province against Maties and has been sidelined for four months, along with lock JD Schickerling (pectoral), who successfully underwent surgery last week.

Centres Dan du Plessis (shoulder) and Dan Kriel (foot) and scrumhalf Jano Vermaak (knee) are all available for WP in a friendly game against Griquas in Upington on Saturday. Flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis (groin), hooker Scarra Ntubeni (hamstring) and props Frans Malherbe (neck) and Ali Vermaak (hamstring) are all back in full training this week as they return from long-term lay-offs. Each of these players will have their progress monitored in order to determine a return-to-play date.

Lock Eben Etzebeth (shoulder) and loose forward Juarno Augustus (back) continue to make good progress in their rehabilitation and their return to play will be determined in due course.

Wing Seabelo Senatla (groin) continues to be assessed and his return-to-play is also dependent on his progress.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images