Stormers get 'big gain' for URC finale

06/05/2024 15:48

The DHL Stormers have received a timely boost to their front-row stocks ahead of their final three fixtures of the Vodacom URC season. DYLAN JACK reports.

With three games left to play, the DHL Stormers are on the hunt for a Vodacom URC playoff berth, starting with a two crucial matches on the road.

The Stormers will leave on Tuesday for a mini-tour, beginning with a clash with Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday night, before a a match against Connacht in Galway the following Saturday.

During a press conference on Monday afternoon, forwards coach Rito Hlungwani confirmed that loosehead prop Sti Sithole is ready to make his return in a timely boost to the scrum.

Sithole has been out since March with an injury suffered in the derby against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.

“Sti has been training,” Hlungwani said. “He is one that stands out because he hasn’t played in a while, but he has been training.

“He will be up for selection.”

Having returned to Cape Town – where he started his career – from the Lions, Sithole has impressed, especially considering he had to fill the gigantic shoes of Steven Kitshoff.

The 31-year-old has been a rock at the set-piece and could relieve Brok Harris, after the veteran played five consecutive stars in his absence.

“Sti has done really, really well,” Hlungwani said. “I’m not saying that Brok or Kwenzo [Blose] didn’t do well in his absence, but we have been really happy.

“His scrum work especially. When he’s in there, he competes really well. He wins a lot of penalties. He operates well with Neethling, Frans and the hookers.

“He is a big gain for us going forward into the business end of the competition. We are happy to have him back. We just want to get him into proper, full fitness so he can push to play 60 minutes. That’s the next job for us, to get him game fit again.”

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images

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