Johannesburg - The Stormers sustained a potential blow in an area where they can least afford it when hooker Tiaan Liebenberg left the field injured in their warm-up game against the Boland Cavaliers on Saturday.
Liebenberg suffered a knee injury just after the half hour mark of the match and was taken from the field on the vehicle used to ferry players when they cannot walk off themselves or when the nature of the injury suggests too much potential risk.
The news from the Stormers management later in the game was that Liebenberg had been taken to hospital for a scan on his knee.
Should Liebenberg be ruled out for any part of the Super Rugby season it will be problematic for the Stormers as he was one of the form players during the 2010 Super 14 campaign.
Although Deon Fourie played well for Western Province in the Currie Cup season when Liebenberg was out injured, it was felt the latter was missed for the hard edge he brings both to the scrumming and the physical exchanges.
News of Liebenberg’s condition will be released by the Stormers management after the weekend and it goes without saying that they will be a relieved group should it be found that his condition is not too serious.
On a positive note, the young Stormers front-row that played the second half against the Bolanders, with the exciting young Stephen Kitschoff in the vanguard, turned in a highly impressive performance.
However, experienced players are a vital ingredient to a successful tight five unit and that is why the Stormers will be holding thumbs Liebenberg will be available to start the Super Rugby season.