NO DAMIAN, NO CRY

STORMERS forwards coach Rito Hlungwani reckons they can klap Glasgow Warriors without the banned Damian Willemse in Friday’s United Rugby Championship quarter-final at Scotstoun Stadium.

Willemse, who has mainly been doing duty at inside centre for the Stormers this season, got klapped with a two-week suspension last week after he got sent off with a red card for a dangerous tackle in the Kaapse span’s last URC league home game against Cardiff.

Ahead of Friday’s quarter-final in Glasgow, Hlungwane admits losing Willemse for this crunch game was a hartseer setback for the squad.

But of how the Stormers have genoeg diepte to beat the Warriors, Hlungwani wyses: “Obviously it is unfortunate to lose a player of Damian’s quality, but like I always say, ‘when there is an injury or a suspension, it is a nice opportunity for the next person to put their hand up and take the opportunity’.

“We are quite fortunate that we have guys that can cover 15 and 12, you know. Warrick [Gelant] can cover 15, he is a very good 15. Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] is pretty comfortable at 12 and he has played there for us quite a number of times you know.”

Hlungwani also revealed that they would most likely opt to have Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Dan du Plessis as their starting midfield pair against Glasgow.

And of how flyhalf Manie Libbok’s return from injury allows them to pick Feinberg-Mngomezulu alongside Du Plessis, he adds: “We would probably look to have a guy like Sacha as an extra playmaker and Du Plessis can cover 12 as well.  

“Manie’s timing has been good in terms of coming back from injury. It is nice to have him back...”  

Director of rugby John Dobson will announce his Stormers matchday squad for Friday’s URC quarterfinal clash against Glasgow on Thursday.