Stormers sweating over Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse's fitness

The Stormers have started their preparations for this week’s north-south derby with the Bulls on the back foot due to a host of injuries to backline players, according to defence coach Norman Laker, who added that superstars Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might not make it.

The Springbok pair missed the Lions game two weeks ago, not because of Springbok resting protocols but because of injuries, Laker clarified, and they are in a race against time to recover for the Bulls derby. If they both cry off, Jurie Matthee would continue at 10. Ideally, the Stormers need Feinberg-Mngomezulu to start at flyhalf and Willemse to play at 12, as injuries have struck the midfield.

The invaluable Ruhan Nel has a serious calf injury and could be out for up to eight weeks, while inside centre Jonathan Roche and utility back Wandisile Simelane suffered hand fractures against the Lions; it is unclear whether they will be ready for the Bulls match.

Laker said there is a chance Simelane could make it this week, but Roche’s fracture is “substantial.” The experienced Dan du Plessis suffered a knee injury ahead of the La Rochelle clash a few weeks ago and remains sidelined.

Laker was asked in a media conference on Monday about the Bulls’ successful request to SA Rugby for assistance from Springbok assistant coaches. Laker inferred that it would be a problem if the Bok Mobi-Unit took up residence in Pretoria this week.

One would think this unlikely given that the request came at short notice and the likes of Duane Vermeulen, Jerry Flannery, and Felix Jones would hardly be keen to cut short their festive season vacations to roll up their sleeves at Loftus Versfeld. Flannery and Jones are likely at home in Ireland with their families.

Still, Laker suggested it would be a problem if some of the Bok assistance began this week. “It is correct that the national coaches don’t help the South African teams when there are derbies involved, so it was quite interesting for me to learn that in such a big week they are bringing in the Springbok coaches to come in and help the Bulls,” said Laker.

“However, in saying that, it doesn’t matter who coaches a team; in a north-south derby, the players will be up for it. They will go all out to get the victory. It was, though, quite an interesting thing to read.

"We do have national coaches coming in to help out at the franchises quite frequently, but normally, the understanding is that it isn’t in a derby week. It is when the local teams are facing overseas teams.”

Laker added that new coaches would find it difficult to wave a magic wand so soon after being introduced. “Whatever the case, it is always nice to play against the Bulls,” Laker continued. “It is one of the biggest games in the world at this level, and always a very confrontational game and nice for the guys on the field to test themselves against the best. They will need to be at their best to win, and they know that.

“For us as assistant coaches and coaches, it is also very important to leave no stone unturned in prepping for what is coming on Saturday.”

The Stormers team for Saturday’s game will be announced on Friday.