Stormers under injury cloud

The Stormers' rise to fourth in the Super 14 standings has come at a cost, with Saturday's victory over the Hurricanes accounting for two key performers.

The Stormers' meteoric rise to fourth in the Super 14 standings has come at a cost, with Saturday's fine 20-12 victory over the Hurricanes at Newlands accounting for two key performers.

Injuries to powerhouse prop JD Moller and in-form wing Tonderai Chavhanga are major concerns for a side that is now vying for one of the four play-off spots following three consecutive wins.

“I'm not a doctor but they are going for scans,” said Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus.

“JD looks like he has dislocated his shoulder, and Tondie has a hamstring strain.

“Tondie's return is difficult to predict, but JD, I reckon, will be out for at least two weeks.

“JD's injury is a huge setback to the team. He plays a big part in our set-up.

“It's disappointing because JD has been playing good rugby. He's got a great work ethic.

“The scrums were closely contested throughout this game, but I feel we were looking very strong when JD was still on the field. We had a lot of go-forward then.”

The two injuries struck in the space of 10 minutes in the first half and there was no let-up for the ever-improving Stormers when lock Andries Bekker and tighthead prop Brian Mujati cried off with exhaustion and injury respectively in the second half.

Bekker, one of Saturday's try-scorers, has produced several stellar performances for the resurgent Stormers this season and was withdrawn from the action early in the second half.

“Andries told me at halftime he was feeling drained, and I was pleased that he told me that because I could then bring on fresh legs in Ross Skeate,” said Erasmus.

“He [Bekker] has had a tough season, and has been giving his all in every time he plays.”

Near the end of the match the Stormers lost a second prop when Brian Mujati suffered cramps. With the only reserve prop Brok Harris already substituting for Moller, reserve hooker Tiaan Liebenberg was called up for front row duty.

However, since the Stormers could not provide the two specialist props, uncontested scrums were set in the last few minutes of the match.

While Saturday's victory has prompted plenty of speculation about the Stormers' chances of reaching the play-offs, Erasmus refused to look too far down the track.

“Nobody remembers who was number four on the log after round ten last year,” he said.

“We've still got plenty to do to ensure we're in the top four at the end of round thirteen.”

Next up for the Stormers are the Highlanders, who were thumped 47-17 by the Bulls on Saturday.

The New Zealanders have only one win after nine matches this season, but Erasmus is not taking the challenge lightly.

“No Super 14 match is easy – the Highlanders have nothing to lose and will be playing for pride,” he said.