Stormers flyhalf Rob du Preez suffered a knee injury against the Cheetahs on Saturday that looks certain to rule him out of this weekend’s coastal derby against the Sharks at Newlands.
Stormers management have yet to release a prognosis, but the initial reports are that du Preez is facing a month or more on the sidelines as a best case scenario, a real blow for both player and team. The tall flyhalf was his side’s best player in their opening round win against the Bulls and with experienced players like Demetri Catrakilis and Peter Grant having left the Stormers in recent years, experienced depth at pivot is in short supply.
The Sharks camp will most likely view the news with mixed feelings; with both du Preez’s brothers and his father involved in Durban (as players and coach respectively), there may be a little relief at not having any loyalties tested this weekend. Robert Senior is, of course, familiar with coaching a team that plays against his son, having experienced that conundrum in Varsity Cup. Jean-Luc has also experienced playing against his brother, when the two found themselves on opposite sides of last year’s Currie Cup clash at Kings Park, while the experience would be completely new for Daniel.
I’m sure we all join in with the du Preez family and all fans of both sides in wishing Rob well with his recovery.
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I have a feeling they wouldn’t have been gentle on him had he played
@Seth101 (Comment 1) : those boys don’t understand “gentle”.
@Seth101 (Comment 1) : @robdylan (Comment 2) : for sure think the twins gentle and my gentle is worlds apart!
Pity…still, I am really looking forward to this game…