Eben Etzebeth has torn ligaments in his left ankle and will miss the start of the Stormers Super Rugby campaign.
Etzebeth limped off in the first half of team’s 57-0 pre-season win over Boland on Saturday and a subsequent scan revealed that he has torn ligaments in his ankle after landing awkwardly at a line-out. The Springbok lock will be out of action for a minimum of six weeks.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee seemed used to handling bad news: “It’s unfortunate for the team and Eben, but like I said after the match yesterday injuries are part and parcel of the game.
“We are fortunate to have players in our squad who can step in and fill that role and that’s our focus for now – to find a player to fill that No.4 lock role.
“At the same time, however, our medical team will also ensure that Eben recovers well and comes back strongly.”
The Stormers have completed their pre-season playing schedule, and will open their 2013 Super Rugby season against the Bulls in Pretoria on Friday, February 22 (kick-off 19h10).
