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Stormers sweating over Sacha, Damian’s fitness
The Star
|December 30, 2025
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.
DAMIAN Willemse missed the Lions game two weeks ago, not because of Springbok resting protocols, but because of an injury. | Backpagepix
(Backpagepix)
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 Mat-thee 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.
This story is from the December 30, 2025 edition of The Star.
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