DHL Stormers head coach John Dobson told an online press conference on Tuesday that his squad numbers are looking good as several stars are ready to make their return against the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Saturday.
Although the DHL Stormers will be without Springboks Damian Willemse, Deon Fourie and Manie Libbok until the end of February due to SA Rugby’s compulsory rest period Dobson confirmed the return of Evan Roos, Salmaan Moerat, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Springbok prop Frans Malherbe.
“We are in a nice position with our injury roster, “Frans is training properly. We will still decide what our plans are with him, but he is back."
“Salmaan, Evan Roos and Sacha are all fully fit and it is really useful having those guys back."
Dobson also confirmed that centre Wandisile Simelane who recently joined the DHL Stormers from the Vodacom Bulls in early January is eligible for selection.
“A guy like Wandisile wasn’t injured but it was too soon to play him. He is a guy who has played those two friendlies, so he is now eligible for selection."
“He has been outstanding. We are so excited by him,” said Dobson.
“There is so much more to him than we realised. We knew about his step, but his workrate, the way he gets off the ground, his support lines, his second touches, his backstory, his personality and his desperation to become a Springbok. All of that. He is someone we want to keep here for a while." Dobson said.
“We’ve been really thrilled with him. He will definitely be involved in the next couple of weeks.”
