Stormers lose Elstadt for the Super Rugby season

The Stormers expect to be without flanker Rynhardt Elstadt for the rest of the Super Rugby season afetr he broke his leg Saturday’s victory over the Blues.

Elstadt broke his leg and did further damage to his ankle in the Stormers 27-16 victory over the Blues at Newlands on Saturday and he has officially been ruled out of action for at least four months.

Elstadt left the field in the 37th minute after falling awkardly and his injury ” officially known as a maisonneuve fracture ” will keep him out until June.

There is a small chance that he could be back for the Super Rugby play offs if the Stormers qualify.

While losing Elstadt is a blow for the Stormers they have been given some good news a veteran loose forward Schalk Burger is due back from Japan next week.

Burger’s Japanese club team will play final knockout match this coming weekend so he could be could be available to face the Sharks (on March 7) but will definitely be available the following week (v Chiefs – March 14).

In other injury news Prop Frans Malherbe will be considered for selection after his recovery from a long-term ankle/leg injury, which is actually similar to Elstadt’s injury.

Lock Eben Etzebeth (chest) is looking good and training well but he is still not 100% and will, thus, not be risked this week. Jean Kleyn (hamstring) is not available this week either after dropping out of the selection equation late last week. Fellow second row forward Manuel

Carizza will have another check-up later this week to see if he is ready for a return to action from a shoulder injury which he suffered during pre-season action.

Wing Kobus van Wyk (calf muscle) is not ready for selection as yet after also picking up an injury during his team’s pre-season programme.

Centre/fullback Jaco Taute (knee) is on track to make his return against the Sharks (March 7). If not for that match, he should be available for the following week against the Chiefs.

The Stormers travel back to the Highveld this weekend as their next match is against the winless Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.