Stormers sweat on availability of 4 key players: 'It was an expensive day for us'

The Stormers are sweating on the availability of four key players as they start preparations for the URC quarter-finals.

The Stormers' 38-22 win over Benetton in Stellenbosch was not enough to secure second spot on the URC standings as Ulster beat Edinburg 28-14 in the late game on Friday.

This means the Stormers could potentially play away from home if they make the semi-finals. To make matter worse, coach John Dobson is now also concerned over the fitness of a number of players.

Locks Ruben van Heerden and Ernst van Rhyn left the field with suspected knee injuries on Friday, while winger Seabelo Senatla took a head knock.

There is also concern over winger Suleiman Hartzenberg, who was injured playing for Western Province in their 25-24 Currie Cup defeat to the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday. Hartzenberg featured regularly for the Stormers during their URC campaign.

While addressing reporters after Friday's match at the Danie Craven Stadium, Dobson expressed concern over their state of affairs.

"It was an expensive day for us," Dobson told reporters. "To lose two locks in one half... Suleiman looks like he suffered a serious injury in the Currie Cup game. It was a very pricey day.

"Senatla is off to the hospital where they will keep him overnight, it's concussion, he could be out for two weeks.

"They (Van Heerden and Van Rhyn) all haven't been scanned yet but looks like two knees. Luckily we had cover and BJ (Ben-Jason Dixon) did brilliantly, but it was expensive."

The Stormers have two weeks to prepare for the URC quarter-finals on 6 May. They're hoping for lock replacement Adre Smith to be ready.

"Adre trains this week but won't play in the Currie Cup this week, will play the week of the (URC) quarter-final," said Dobson.

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