Stormers get ‘better news’ on injured skipper

Doctors have confirmed the prognosis for Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat after he underwent toe surgery on Friday.

The Bok lock suffered the injury moments after coming on in the 30-19 defeat to the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium, before being yellow-carded for his team’s repeated infringements.

“It’s turf toe,” said Stormers backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman on Friday. “Feedback from the doctors is that the prognosis is a bit better than initially thought, but it’s still quite a lengthy period. We are probably looking at four months.”

The injury is a setback in what is shaping up to be a massive year for the Springboks, who will face England, Scotland and Wales in Nations Championship matches in July, before a four-Test Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.

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There was, however, better news on the injury front for several long-term absentees, who should be in the mix when the Stormers return from a mid-season break to face the Lions at Ellis Park on 28 February.

“Ruhan Nel should be ready after the break,” Snyman said of the midfield general who is recovering from a troublesome calf injury.

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Veteran Bok flank Deon Fourie, who tore a bicep last October having only just returned from a serious knee injury “is coming on nicely and has started training with the team”.

“[Winger] Seabelo Senatla is quite close [to a return],” Snyman added. “[Loose forward] Dan du Plessis is also quite close and he will start training with the team once we are back.”

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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images