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Malherbe set for lengthy spell on sidelines

todayDecember 20, 2023 85

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Frans Malherbe during the Stormers training session held at the Bellville High Performance Centre in Cape Town on 23 May 2023 ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

The Stormers will be without the services of two-time Rugby World Cup winning tighthead prop, Frans Malherbe, this weekend when they take on the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship.

Malherbe has not played any rugby since helping the Springboks to a record fourth Rugby World Cup title in France in October when South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman revealed that the veteran front rower has been sidelined with a back injury.

“He’s on a bit more of a long-term programme to get back, so he’s not available. I’m not sure exactly what date he’ll be available, but he’s in the facility at the moment doing his rehab and getting himself ready to play again,” said Snyman.

“It’s a previous injury that he’s had with us. He probably aggravated it in the World Cup because after the World Cup he came back and saw a few specialists.

“But he’s actually up and running with us at the moment, so hopefully we can see him back on the field.”

The Stormers will also be without winger, Ben Loader, for Saturday’s North-South clash.

Loader scored his first try at DHL Stadium in the Champions Cup win over La Rochelle last weekend, but injured his shoulder during the match.

Snyman also confirmed that Angelo Davids is on his way back from injury, but the match against the Bulls might come too soon for him to return from injury.

Courtnall Skosan and Suleiman Hartzenberg are also in contention to start on the right wing.

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari

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