Stormers to rest Springbok duo

Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman confirmed that Springbok duo Steven Kitshoff and Herschel Jantjies will be rested for the United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.

Both Springboks were involved in Tests throughout the year, playing in the British and Irish Lions series, the Rugby Championship and the year-end tour to the northern hemisphere.

Set to feature after Christmas

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Snyman confirmed the Bok pair will only be available for selection after Christmas.

“They need a break. We have given them time off so they can get away from rugby and spend time with their family,” he said.

“They had to go into bio-bubbles [with the Springboks] and were away from home for a long time.”

The Stormers host the Lions this weekend after fixtures against Zebre and Cardiff were postponed following the UK government placing South Africa on its travel red list.

The clash against the Johannesburg-based outfit was originally scheduled for February 2022 but has been brought forward to Saturday evening.

Snyman said although they were frustrated by not hosting overseas teams, they had no issue with how the news was handled.

“It’s out of our control, firstly, and we didn’t know what the implications would have been for them [getting back into their countries] and the teams have other fixtures they have to play after these two rounds which they need to prepare for,” said Snyman.

“We’re disappointed, not frustrated, but it’s not anyone’s fault. It’s just a bit sad we couldn’t play on South African soil.”

The Stormers were expecting Springbok players Damian Willemse, Marvin Orie and Salmaan Moerat to be available against Zebre, so it is likely to see them in action against the Lions.