JUST IN: Massive boost for Stormers, Boks as Willemse declared fit

There is just one change to the Stormers team that defeated Edinburgh in the quarter-final last week, with Damian Willemse making his return from injury to take his place at inside centre for the knock-out clash against Ulster, which kicks off at 15h00 on Saturday.

URC: BULLS AND STORMERS FIGHT FOR FINAL SPOTS

Stormers coach John Dobson said that having Willemse back for the semi-final is a huge boost, particularly considering that it was recently reported that an arm injury could rule him out for several weeks.

“Damian is another phenomenal player and credit must go to him and the medical staff for getting him ready for this game. He is a world-class performer who would make a difference to any team,” he said.

CLOSER LOOK: ALL THE BOKS’ PLAYER OPTIONS, POSSIBLE BOLTERS

Stormers team:

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Nama Xaba, 22 Godlen Masimla, 23 Sacha Mngomezulu.

Meanwhile Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber invited 17 players to attend the first week of their preparation camp starting on Monday in Pretoria, and which features two uncapped players, namely the Sharks duo of Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop) and Grant Williams (scrumhalf).

READ | KICK-OFF TIMES FOR URC SEMI-FINALS CONFIRMED

Two additional injured players, Montpellier scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen, will also join the camp where they will undergo rehabilitation with an eye on possible selection later in the season and the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

According to Rapport, veteran Frans Steyn will interestingly conduct rehabilitation for a thigh muscle injury back in Bloemfontein, and is expected to be unavailable for around four weeks. It places him in doubt for the first Test against Wales, and in fact he may not be brought back into the squad if he misses out on that opening encounter.

Willemse was expected to sidelined for at least four weeks, which comes as the first Test against Wales is fast approaching.

It was previously thought that the Boks could now consider the likes of Kurt-Lee Arendse, Warrick Gelant and possibly even La Rochelle star Dillyn Leyds to provide the necessary backline cover.

With the Stormers and Bulls having booked their places in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals against Ulster in Cape Town and the Leinster in Dublin, respectively, next weekend, the training squad will be expanded as the players complete their commitments, along with a handful of European-based players.

READ | SPRINGBOKS PREPARE FOR BACK-TO-BACK ALL BLACKS TESTS IN SABIE

The Springboks will kick off their 2022 season with three Tests against Wales before launching into the Rugby Championship, where they will line up against the All Blacks in back-to-back home Tests, which will be followed by a tour to Australia and Argentina. They will then return home for their final Test against the Pumas in Durban in September.

PLAYERS INVITED TO SPRINGBOKS PREPARATION CAMP IN PRETORIA:

Props

Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Sharks), Ox Nche (Sharks)

Hookers

Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks)

Loose forwards

Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo)

Utility forward

Franco Mostert (Honda Heat)

Scrumhalves

Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Grant Williams (Sharks)

Flyhalf

Elton Jantjies (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes)

Midfielders

Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)

Outside backs

Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)