Andrews back in training

Springbok prop Eddie Andrews is back in training for the Stormers for the first time since injuring his back last year and may return to Super 14 action sooner than what was initially expected.

Springbok prop Eddie Andrews is back in training for the Stormers for the first time since injuring his back last year and may return to Super 14 action sooner than what was initially expected.

Andrews, who was expected to be back in action only in mid-March, joined the Stormers squad for training on Monday and managed to complete his skills and fitness drills, much to the relief of the Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus, who is seriously lacking depth in the front row.

“Eddie has done really well to be where he is now, as we didn't expect him to be ready until the middle of March,” Erasmus told the Cape Times this week.

“He would've started training last week already, but his dad passed away. We'll see how he goes in the next two weeks,” added Erasmus.

Erasmus had more promising news this week when lock Ross Skeate also got into the thick of things, completing a full session of training himself after recovering from an ankle injury.

“Ross is looking really good and should be ready for the Bulls match. Guys like him, Conrad Jantjes and Brian Mujati have been excellent in their rehab programmes,” added the Stormers coach.

Erasmus is even hopeful that Schalk Ferreira, who was expected to be ruled out of the entire Super 14 could play some rugby before the season ends.

“Schalk may be able to play Super 14 even. We need as much depth as possible, and we only have three props at the moment in Brian, JD Moller and Brok Harris,” added Erasmus.