Stormers struggling due to injuries after Toulon’s game. Image source : Supersport
(The Post News)- The Stormers’ Champions Cup campaign is off to a rocky start after a 24-14 loss to Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. Despite leading 14-10 at halftime in front of 27,000 fans, injuries and relentless pressure from the French side proved too much for John Dobson’s team.
Key players, including Manie Libbok and Keke Morabe, were sidelined due to injuries during the match, adding to an already extensive list of absentees that features Springbok stalwarts like Damian Willemse and Steven Kitshoff. Ben-Jason Dixon is also doubtful for the next game after failing a Head Injury Assessment.
Dobson admitted his squad is stretched thin. “We’re running out of cattle,” he said, acknowledging the toll of a physical encounter. Captain Neethling Fouche echoed these sentiments, pointing out the relentless pressure from Toulon and missed opportunities early in the second half.
The Stormers now face a daunting away fixture against Harlequins in London, with hopes pinned on surviving their mounting injury crisis.
Despite the loss, the Gqeberha crowd left an impression. “The support was incredible. Goosebumps all around,” Fouche said. Dobson added that they’d return to the city “in a shot” if given the chance.
The Stormers will need more than passionate fans as they regroup for a must-win match against Harlequins this weekend.
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