Wiese doubtful for Lions clash

Young forward Cobus Wiese is doubtful for the upcoming match against the Lions after picking up a shoulder injury and was one of several players who sat out training on Monday.   

"Wiese's shoulder is a bit of a concern," said Stormers assistant coach Russell Winter.

"We had to take him off at half-time because they suspected he dislocated his shoulder. He was at training today and he is very positive, but he did not train – he was sent for scans and he will be assessed tomorrow.

"I don’t think he will make the weekend, but we are hoping for the best."

Locks Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth are also being monitored closely this week.

Du Toit was a late withdrawal ahead of the Chiefs match because he was struggling with a swollen knee.

"He [Du Toit] did not train today [Monday]. They [medical team] are going to make an assessment on it [injury] tomorrow and hopefully he will be ready. It is looking good as far as Pieter-Steph is concerned. 

"Eben is still struggling a little bit with those calves of his. He pushed on quite nicely on the weekend, so he was another one that did not train today. We will assess him tomorrow [Tuesday] and see how he has progressed with those calves," Winter added.

Meanwhile, scrumhalf Jano Vermaak has returned to training after missing last weekend's match because of concussion.

"He trained and he should be cleared to play this weekend," said Winter. "However, I think he still has one or two tests [Return to Play Protocol] left. 

"His availability will also be known tomorrow [Tuesday]. He looked pretty good in training."

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com