Stormers lose first-choice flyhalf

The Stormers have suffered a massive blow to their Super Rugby title chances as flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis is unlikely to feature in next weekend’s playoff against the Chiefs at Newlands.

The Stormers have suffered a massive blow to their Super Rugby title chances as flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis is unlikely to feature in next weekend’s playoff against the Chiefs at Newlands.

Coach Robbie Fleck all but confirmed the worse following Saturday’s 52-24 victory over the Southern Kings at Newlands.

Du Plessis was helped off the field just before halftime after staying down initially, and did not return for the second 40 minutes, with Brandon Thomson taking over at pivot.

There is still a chance that right wing Kobus van Wyk, who went off with sore ribs in the first half, could run out next Saturday against the Chiefs.

“Jean-Luc’s injury is the more serious of the two, it doesn’t look good at the moment. Kobus should be okay, it’s more positive feedback on him. We will reassess the injuries on Monday, and I don’t want to speculate, but Jean-Luc’s ankle injury looks like syndesmosis, which is normally four months out. There’s nothing we can do about it, and we just have to deal with it,” Fleck said.

Thomson, though, acquitted himself well against the Kings, and has impressed whenever he’s had an opportunity in Super Rugby this year. He appears to have time on the ball and varies his play cleverly, with an accurate passing game and well-judged tactical kicks, while he is a good goal-kicker as well.

Robert du Preez is also back from his knee injury and has been playing for the Western Province Currie Cup side.

“Rob has played well, and we will reassess the situation on Monday. Thommo got a bit of game time tonight, which was important. He had a bit of a nervous start with that high pass, but settled nicely,” Fleck said. “He hasn’t had a lot of game time with us, but has been training with us for the last 10 weeks.

“And every time he has stepped up, he has delivered. He has been training with us for 10 weeks, and he slotted in perfectly tonight. It’s important that we get Thommo and Rob in sync with the rest of the group.”

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