Etzebeth to return against Bulls?

Editor

The Stormers could be boosted by the return of Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth when they face the Bulls in Pretoria on May 21.

Etzebeth last played in the Round Five clash against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires and has been sidelined with a calf strain for the past six weeks. 

He was not included in the Stormers' squad for Saturday's clash with the Sunwolves in Singapore after medical staff advised head coach Robbie Fleck not to rush the 24-year-old back from injury.

"Eben is unfortunately not available at the moment as there has been a bit of a delay in his recovery, but we are hopeful he will be ready for the following week (against the Bulls)," Fleck told Supersport.

"We have been advised by the medical staff not to push him. We are though going to try and get him ready for the matches against the Bulls and the Cheetahs. 

"He is certainly feeling confident he will be ready for those games. But it was a big calf tear and he is a big unit so it does take a bit more time. It takes longer for those sort of injuries to heel on bigger guys. 

"We have to do what is best for Eben and the team."

Although Rynardt Elstadt has impressed as Etzebeth's replacement in recent weeks, Fleck is keen to have his Bok enforcer back as soon as possible.

"He is one of our top players and now that we are going into phase three of the competition we want our top players to be playing," he added.

"There are some big games coming up."