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Cape Town - A fresh injury crisis is threatening to undermine the Stormers’ chances of winning Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders.
Scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage and Springbok centre Jaque Fourie are both believed to be in danger of missing the Newlands clash.
In Duvenage's case it is believed that the injury that kept him out of the Cheetahs game has flared up again, while Fourie apparently has a groin injury.
Stormers assistant coach Matt Proudfoot confirmed on Tuesday that there are "niggles" among the backline players. Peter Grant and Johann Sadie have also taken knocks.
"Dewies is feeling a little stiff after the kicking session and Jaque is also a little stiff. I don't think it's anything serious," said Proudfoot.
It certainly will be a big blow if Duvenage and Fourie are ruled out.
Ricky Januarie is also injured and the Stormers may well find themselves in a position of having to pick two inexperienced scrumhalves - Louis Schreuder and Nic Groom - in a pressure game.
Fourie is a superb player, but the Stormers have numerous midfield options.
The logical move will be to ask Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh to combine in midfield, with Johann Sadie on the bench.
Conrad Jantjes would probably have returned at fullback in any event, which means Gio Aplon will play right wing.
It therefore appears as if coach Allister Coetzee's selection posers at the back have been solved - with circumstances effectively taking it out of his hands.
The Crusaders also have problems. No 8 Kieran Read is struggling with an ankle injury, but All Black captain Richie McCaw should be ready.
"Like us they also have niggles. It's that time of the year," said Proudfoot.
He realises the challenge in the scrums will be huge. The Crusaders dominated the Sharks in that area in Nelson last Saturday, though former Springbok prop Os du Randt mentioned this week that the Kiwis should have been pinned for early engagement on a number of occasions.
"They are certainly on the edge there and it's something I will discuss with Craig Joubert (referee). It's his responsibility to manage that," said Proudfoot.
"We have not stood back for anyone (in the scrums) this year, but I'd like our posture in the scrums to improve. That is not something that happens inside a week. The physical condition of the Crusaders' props is impressive and it's a process to get players there."
Cape Town - A fresh injury crisis is threatening to undermine the Stormers’ chances of winning Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders.
Scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage and Springbok centre Jaque Fourie are both believed to be in danger of missing the Newlands clash.
In Duvenage's case it is believed that the injury that kept him out of the Cheetahs game has flared up again, while Fourie apparently has a groin injury.
Stormers assistant coach Matt Proudfoot confirmed on Tuesday that there are "niggles" among the backline players. Peter Grant and Johann Sadie have also taken knocks.
"Dewies is feeling a little stiff after the kicking session and Jaque is also a little stiff. I don't think it's anything serious," said Proudfoot.
It certainly will be a big blow if Duvenage and Fourie are ruled out.
Ricky Januarie is also injured and the Stormers may well find themselves in a position of having to pick two inexperienced scrumhalves - Louis Schreuder and Nic Groom - in a pressure game.
Fourie is a superb player, but the Stormers have numerous midfield options.
The logical move will be to ask Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh to combine in midfield, with Johann Sadie on the bench.
Conrad Jantjes would probably have returned at fullback in any event, which means Gio Aplon will play right wing.
It therefore appears as if coach Allister Coetzee's selection posers at the back have been solved - with circumstances effectively taking it out of his hands.
The Crusaders also have problems. No 8 Kieran Read is struggling with an ankle injury, but All Black captain Richie McCaw should be ready.
"Like us they also have niggles. It's that time of the year," said Proudfoot.
He realises the challenge in the scrums will be huge. The Crusaders dominated the Sharks in that area in Nelson last Saturday, though former Springbok prop Os du Randt mentioned this week that the Kiwis should have been pinned for early engagement on a number of occasions.
"They are certainly on the edge there and it's something I will discuss with Craig Joubert (referee). It's his responsibility to manage that," said Proudfoot.
"We have not stood back for anyone (in the scrums) this year, but I'd like our posture in the scrums to improve. That is not something that happens inside a week. The physical condition of the Crusaders' props is impressive and it's a process to get players there."
