Cape Town - There was good news on Monday for Stormers coach for Allister Coetzee as lock Eben Etzebeth, wing Gio Aplon and flank Siya Kolisi were all cleared for full team training and are available to play in their home Super Rugby semi-final next Saturday.
Video: Horrific hit on Gio Aplon
Etzebeth hasn't played the last two weeks after a gruelling Test series for the Springboks against England.
Aplon took a knock to the head when he collided with team-mate Rynhardt Elstadt in the 26-21 win over the Rebels on Saturday, while Kolisi also limped off at half-time.
While Coetzee was happy about his star trio's availability for the Newlands semi-final, it looks unlikely that loose forwards Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger will be ready.
“Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger are both also progressing really well, but both still remain doubtful starters for the semi. Both will undergo final assessments on Thursday as to their availability to participate in team training next week and as to their potential availability for the playoff,” said Coetzee.
“We are in pretty good shape, injury wise, for this stage of the competition. It has been a gruelling couple of months. The players have the luxury of three days downtime before regrouping on Thursday for training and preparation.”
Video: Horrific hit on Gio Aplon
Etzebeth hasn't played the last two weeks after a gruelling Test series for the Springboks against England.
Aplon took a knock to the head when he collided with team-mate Rynhardt Elstadt in the 26-21 win over the Rebels on Saturday, while Kolisi also limped off at half-time.
While Coetzee was happy about his star trio's availability for the Newlands semi-final, it looks unlikely that loose forwards Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger will be ready.
“Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger are both also progressing really well, but both still remain doubtful starters for the semi. Both will undergo final assessments on Thursday as to their availability to participate in team training next week and as to their potential availability for the playoff,” said Coetzee.
“We are in pretty good shape, injury wise, for this stage of the competition. It has been a gruelling couple of months. The players have the luxury of three days downtime before regrouping on Thursday for training and preparation.”