Venter back as Glasgow boosted for Stormers playoff

Franco Smith is encouraged by the return of several key players, including former Sharks loose forward Henco Venter, as Glasgow prepare for a quarter-final clash against the Stormers at Scotstoun Stadium.

Disappointed by the reverse against Leinster on Saturday, Glasgow are pleased to report an injury list that is shortening along with Venter’s return from suspension.

“There’s a number of players due back for the Stormers game,” Smith told The Offside Line. “Rory Sutherland is close after a shoulder injury, Sam Talakai is back from Australia, Max Williamson is ready again after a minor issue, and Henco Venter returns from suspension.

“Jack Mann has recovered, Sione Vailanu was just rested this week, and most of our backs are available — aside from Duncan Weir, who’s out for the season.”

ALSO: A ‘damn fine effort’ from Bulls, Stormers

Smith added that only Matt and Zander Fagerson, along with Gregor Brown, remain doubts for the quarter-final. No 8 Jack Dempsey, sidelined since the Six Nations with a hamstring problem, and Josh McKay, out since April with an ankle injury, are both progressing and may yet feature.

The Stormers, meanwhile, have gathered momentum at the right time. After an inconsistent start to their URC campaign, they surged into the top five with four consecutive wins to close out the regular season.

However, they will be forced into a backline reshuffle after Springbok Damian Willemse received a red card for a dangerous tackle in their win over Cardiff on Friday.

MORE: Dobson – Damian’s red is a disaster

When the sides last met—in round six at the Danie Craven Stadium—it was Glasgow who emerged victorious, beating the Stormers 28-17 in Stellenbosch. As defending champions, Smith’s men will carry confidence into the quarter-final but know the challenge will be stiff against a Stormers side eager for revenge.

“The Stormers are a team we love playing against,” said Warriors captain Kyle Steyn. “We’ve got a lot of respect for them because they’re fighters as well. Under Dobbo, they come out firing for 80 minutes. That won’t change, and they’ll probably be even more desperate to get one over us.”

FULL STORY

Photo: Ewan Bootman/SNS Group via Getty Images