VIDEO: Why Stormers are keeping Libbok on ice

03/28/2025 04:06 AM

This is the view of Director of Rugby John Dobson, ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter with Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday.

Tighthead prop Neethling Fouché will take over the Stormers' captaincy, as he comes in for Frans Malherbe, who is being rested according to national team requirements.

Regular skipper Salmaan Moerat is ruled out through injury.

Connor Evans will start in the second row, while the only other change to the forward pack sees Dave Ewers start on the flank in place of Deon Fourie, who has been ruled out due to concussion protocols.

In the backline, Damian Willemse starts at fullback, with Warrick Gelant also sidelined through injury.

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Moerat (foot strain) and Gelant (knee strain) are both expected to be available when the Stormers resumed their URC campaign - post the two-week European stretch - with a home run against Connacht on April 19.

Fourie could also return from his concussion-enforced lay-off for the four-match home run.

Seabelo Senatla (calf) is another who could come back into the selection frame against the Irish province, Connacht, next month.

With another European 'break' sandwiched into the URC - after the Connacht (April 19) and Benetton (April 26) games - Libbok could be eased back

However, Springbok playmaker Manie Libbok remains on ice.

Libbok has been sidelined with a knee injured he suffered in the 12-36 loss to Leinster in Dublin back in January.

Fellow Stormers and Bok playmakers Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse are fit again and driving the team's famed attack.

(WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson explains why Springbok playmaker Manie Libbok will not be rushed back.....)

"If Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] keep going [stay fit] we will keep him [Libbok] on ice," Dobson said.

"We could push him into action against Benetton [if need be].

"With that two-week [European break] we probably look at bringing him back against Cardiff [May 16].

"He could play earlier if we need him."

@king365ed
@rugby365com

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