Double blow for Stormers

Stormers head coach John Dobson has confirmed lengthy injury layoffs for Andre-Hugo Venter and Deon Fourie following their 52-40 victory over the Scarlets. Venter suffered an elbow injury that will keep him sidelined for at least two months and potentially up to nine months if surgery is required. Meanwhile, Fourie faces approximately three months out after sustaining a Grade 3 hamstring injury.

The resulting crisis at hooker prompted the Stormers to re-sign Springbok Bongi Mbonambi, who is set to feature off the bench against Ulster on Saturday. Veteran Scarra Ntubeni was also brought out of retirement to provide cover, as Lukhanyo Vokozela remains sidelined with concussion issues and JJ Kotze serves a suspension.