Rhodes out of Stormers Super Rugby tour

Stormers utility forward Michael Rhodes will play no further part in the Stormers Super Rugby tour and will return home to Cape Town after suffering a hamstring tear.

Rhodes injured his hamstring in the Stormers 18-32 victory over the Waratahs in Sydney and had to leave the field after 33 minutes of the contest.

The Stormers have called up Western Province Vodacom Cup star Sikhumbuzo Notshe as replacement for Rhodes.

“Michael has a Grade Two/Three hamstring tear and will be out of action for at least six weeks, ” said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee

“It’s a huge blow to the team and to Mike, who brings a physical edge to the Stormers pack. ”

“Thankfully, however, we have a strong squad system at the Stormers and you could see that in the performance of Siya Kolisi on Saturday – he put his body on the line for the team, as did everyone around him.

“Notshe joined us on tour as a replacement last year (too), so this isn’t new to him. He’s been in great form for our unbeaten Vodacom Cup team, having also made giant strides during the 2014 Absa Currie Cup.”

Forwards Manuel Carizza and Nizaam Carr spent time in the blood bin on Saturday – a physical encounter against the defending champions in Sydney – but both will be up for selection this coming weekend against the Western Force.

Flanker Schalk Burger (AC Joint) and flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis (mild concussion) will also be considered for selection this week after suffering knocks against the Waratahs.

The Stormers will finish their four-match tour of Australasia against the Force at Perth’s nib Stadium this coming Saturday.

“We had some sore bodies after this match, so our first intention is to ensure we field a strong and fit team against the Force,” said Coetzee.

“We need to continue improving, as we have on this tour, and will keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard in our final week (on tour).”