Stormers give update on injured Bok

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Frans Malherbe has been ruled out of this weekend’s United Rugby Champions match against Bulls on Saturday.

Malherbe is still recovering from a long-term neck injury which saw him miss the Springboks’ year-end tour in November.

However, the Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani remained positive on his availability later this season.

"In regards to Frans, we have a meeting with the medical team, but it's looking very positive,” Hlungwani told reporters.

"We will probably have a timeline for him later this week, but he is doing well with his rehab and we looking forward to having him back soon,"

The forwards coach also revealed that tighthead prop Neethling Fouché is still on the sideline with a knee injury.

Hlungwani revealed he started straight-line running but is only expected to start full training in a couple of weeks.

There is some good news for the Cape Town franchise as Hlungwani conceded that aside from Malherbe all the Springboks including loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff would be up for this weekend’s team selection.

Call for patience

The Stormers have not been in action since their 19-37 URC defeat to Lions on December 4.

However, the URC have been training with the Western Province Currie Cup team and have learned some big lessons for their clash against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

"We were quite sad with the loss," Hlungwani said.

"However we had 65 percent possession and territory so it's not like we are not trying and that is the type of positive stats we are taking heading into this week.

"Think we were more let down by our inability to finish, we felt we got into their 22 with ease and we just need to be patient and capitalize on that,"

"For me, the big lesson is patience in the 22,"

Springbok and Stormers lock Marvin Orie added that the team is raring to take to the field after the break.

"We've had a few weeks to prepare for this and our training has really been going well," Orie said.

"Our energy is really good, a few guys are back from injuries and everyone is ready to go,"

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