Sacha on crutches after ‘serious’ injury

The Stormers’ 44-21 Vodacom URC quarter-final win against Cardiff may have come at a heavy cost.

Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu injured his ankle in the act of scoring a second-half try and was walking with crutches after the match, while wing Seabelo Senatla has been ruled out of next weekend’s semi-final after suffering a head knock.

There are also concerns over lock Ruben van Heerden (concussion) and centre Dan du Plessis (knee).

“It looks pretty serious, to be honest,” said Dobson of Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s injury.

“He’s obviously going for a scan. The doctors have given me some feedback, but it looks like a proper ankle injury.

“He was cramping a bit before then and looked uncomfortable when he started running back. We haven’t confirmed anything yet, but it’s concerning.

“It’s a big blow,” Dobson added. “But whenever we take a knock, this group tends to pull together and fight.

“We’ve lost probably the most in-form young player in world rugby the week before a semi-final, which is far from ideal. But the way Jurie Matthee is playing and the fight in this squad gives me confidence that we’ll find a way.”

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On Senatla, who had only just returned to action, Dobson said, “He was HIA category one. He was knocked out, so he won’t play next week.

“I thought he was absolutely magnificent. For a guy who has been out for so long, his work in the air, his defence and his work rate were outstanding. That’s a hell of a blow for us.”

The Stormers will either travel to face Leinster or host the Lions in the semi-finals next weekend.

Photo: Leighton Koopman/Independent Media