Stormers’ Rugby World Cup winner to miss Bulls clash due to injury

The Stormers will face their arch rivals, the Bulls, without double Rugby World Cup winner Frans Malherbe in their ranks in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship derby in Cape Town.

Like fellow Springboks Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse and Deon Fourie, Malherbe was rested for a few weeks after featuring in the Boks’ triumphant campaign at the global showpiece in France.

However, unlike the aforementioned trio, Malherbe did not make his return to action in the Stormers’ 21-20 victory over La Rochelle in last weekend’s Champions Cup clash in Cape Town.

And the Cape Town-based outfit‘s attack coach Dawie Snyman revealed that he is struggling with a lower back injury and there is uncertainty about his return to action.

“He’s on a bit more of a long-term programme to get back, so he’s not available,” he said. “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.

Recurrence of a previous injury

“It’s a previous injury that he’s had with us… he probably picked it up 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 [soon].”

Another player who will not feature against the Bulls this weekend is winger Ben Loader, who left the field shortly after scoring a try against La Rochelle last week.

“Unfortunately, Ben won’t be available for selection,” said Snyman.

“He popped his AC joint which is unfortunate, I thought he had two great games (against Leicester and La Rochelle).”

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