Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman has confirmed that Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff and scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies will be rested for Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against the Lions in Cape Town.
Both Kitshoff and Jantjies were heavily involved in the Springbok Tests this year, having played in the British & Irish Lions series, Rugby Championship and end-of-year tour of the United Kingdom.
During a media conference on Tuesday, Snyman said the Bok duo will only be back in the selection picture after Christmas.
“They need a break. We have given them time off so they can get away from rugby and spend time with their family,” Snyman said.
“They had to go into bio-bubbles [with the Springboks] and were away from home for a long time.”
The Stormers will host the Lions this weekend after their fixtures against Zebre and Cardiff were postponed as a result of South Africa being placed on the UK government’s travel red list.
The fixture against the Lions, originally scheduled for February 2022, was brought forward to Saturday evening.
Snyman said that while they were disappointed not to be hosting overseas teams, there was no frustration with how the issue was handled.
“It’s out of our control, firstly, and we didn’t know what the implications would have been for them [getting back into their countries] and the teams have other fixtures they have to play after these two rounds which they need to prepare for,” said Snyman.
“We’re disappointed, not frustrated, but it’s not anyone’s fault. It’s just a bit sad we couldn’t play on South African soil.”
The Stormers were expecting to have Springbok squad members Damian Willemse, Marvin Orie and Salmaan Moerat available against Zebre last weekend, so it is likely that they could play against the Lions.
Tickets for Saturday’s match will be available online on Ticketpro on Tuesday from 5:30pm. The cost is R175 per ticket. Spectators must wear a medical mask and provide proof of vaccination and identity. Only 2,000 spectators will be allowed.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
