Why the Stormers are actively embracing their Manie Libbok setback for Clermont clash

Manie Libbok, as expected, won't be in contention for selection when the Stormers aim to secure safe passage to the knockout stages of the European Champions Cup against Clermont at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Yet the defending URC champions are so philosophical about his concussion-protocol absence that they almost sound excited about it.

The root of that sentiment is obvious: it forces the Cape franchise to consider building their depth in the No 10 jersey.

Libbok's hand in the Stormers' success has been so big that he's understandably almost annexed the position though the attention he's received from the Springboks means he might not be around so regularly anymore. 

"He's actually fine. In terms of his return, Manie's done his return-to-play test on Wednesday so it's probably just this week [that he'll be absent]. He passed all the others. He was even fine after last weekend's game," Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman said on Wednesday.

"Having him unavailable means we have to look at our options. It's something we have to do, it's probably a good time to do so too. There are lots of possibilities there. At some stage, we'll probably have to operate without him anyway. It might even happen in a semi-final or final, so it's a great challenge for us as a squad.

"We need to build depth there so that we can execute our game without him. He's done a brilliant job for us."

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While Damian Willemse remains an attractive option to move to pivot given his pedigree there at Bok level, it would seem more likely that rookies Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu or Kade Wolhurter will be enlisted.

The former deputised solidly for Libbok in last