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The Stormers flank left the field before the end, and coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed afterwards that he was in doubt for the trip to Pretoria. Also in the wars at the weekend were props JD Moller and Brian Mujati, who both allegedly had shoulder injuries, but it is Burger’s condition that is going to be the big headache for Erasmus.
Apart from the fact that Burger is one of the Stormers who can play the Bulls at their own game and stand up to their physical onslaught, it is also a fact that the Stormers were intending to give Luke Watson the week off so as to avoid the potential perils he might face in Pretoria.
While it is unlikely they will admit it publicly, the Stormers management were concerned at the booing that was directed at Watson in earlier matches this season, and given what he is alleged to have said at a UCT forum discussion last year, and the unpopularity it has given rise to, it would be anticipated he could be booed every time he touches the ball at Loftus.
On top of that, Watson’s unpopularity is not confined to fans of the game off the field who live outside the Cape, but also to his fellow players. The Bulls are known to psyche themselves into a state that borders on apoplexy in the week of a Stormers game, the Stormers management are wary then of providing them with even more motivation.
But if Burger is absent, it is hard to see the Stormers being able to take any other option, for Watson is the most obvious replacement for Burger at openside flank, and is probably the best ball winner in the team.
Unless the Stormers want to take a gamble with Nick Koster, who has only been used as a wing up to now, coach Rassie Erasmus faces a tricky conundrum, and his problem is compounded by the knowledge that this is a make or break game for his men. The performance against the Blues was poor, and the vultures that were circling after the 14-8 defeat are poised to swoop if Loftus continues to be the unhappy hunting ground that it has been for the Stormers since 2003.
A decision on Burger will be taken later in the week. The Stormers have lost two of their first three games, the disturbing aspect being that they have all been at home.
