Body blow for stumbling Stormers
14 Mar 2006
Keo.co.za has learnt Stormers fullback Werner Greeff will undergo surgery on Saturday and is out of the remainder of the Vodacom Super 14.
Coach Kobus van der Merwe told this site that Greeff, whose ability under the high ball and solid positional play have been prominent thus far in the competition, will play no further part in the Cape side’s campaign.
“On the advice of the Doc, Greeffie will go under the knife on Saturday,” Van der Merwe said. “He suffered a neck injury in the game against the Hurricanes that needs surgery.”
Greeff was substituted early in the second half of the game the Stormers narrowly lost 23-19, and was unable to lift his arm and complained of pins and needles throughout his body.
“Obviously when it comes to neck injuries we take no chances, and contrary to some suggestions, the substitution of Greeff was enforced and was not tactical.”
Van der Merwe did not attempt to deflect the immensity of the loss.
“This is a serious blow for us. Werner was in terrific form and he has taken some incredible high balls this year. The criticism of him is misplaced and he has been one of our stand-out players.”
Possible replacements for Greeff are Chumani Booi, Joe Pietersen and Tonderai Chavhanga. Booi’s hapless last-minute tackle attempt on Hosea Gear is unlikely to punt his cause, whilst Tonderai Chavhanga’s return from an extensive injury lay-off should see him eased into the side wearing the more familiar jerseys 11 or 14.
Thus Pietersen appears the likely starter, a player whose defensive weaknesses have always threatened to outweigh his attacking threat.
At 1.78m and 78kg, he’s a prime target for the high-ball and is not a secure defender. He will, however, inject more pace and elusiveness into a backline that has lacked those qualities this season.
The absence of Greeff is likely to be met by cheers by certain sections of Stormers support. The same section who routinely jeer the fullback and the same section who seemingly fail to grasp the tactical implications of wearing No 15 and a player mature enough to play within his limitations.
His is a loss that will not be lamented a la Jean de Villiers, but the impact could prove equally devastating.
165 Comments
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14 Mar 2006, 15:13 pm
Will it be JDW/Joubert this Saturday?
14 Mar 2006, 15:16 pm
Lo,
Jou algemene rugby kennis is skrikwekkend. Ruben get vir lank in n sukkelede Vrystaat span geskitter.Hy het so uitgestaan dat Ntvl hom toe nader getrek het.
Miskien moet ons vir Burger Geldenhuys kry om vir Schalkie wakker te maak. Al sy toetse is erken. As jy wil weet van n lafaard en n verleentheid, kyk nie verder as die vetgat Gary Pagel. Hy het Tordo in die gesig getrap toe hy vasgepen onder in n losskrum was. Tordo het nooit weer vir die Franse gespeel agv van die gesigs sjirurgie wat hy moes ontvang.
Ek **** die Kebble familie gaan die Kaap nou borg?
14 Mar 2006, 15:20 pm
Stan
Lol ! Praat van onsensitief wees !
14 Mar 2006, 15:24 pm
eerlik broer, dis al.
14 Mar 2006, 15:27 pm
Thanks Langman, in between the tupperware parties and the book club, I`ll keep an eye out for an interesting debate on this site and join in.
The tupperware thing was very funny by the way.
My point is that most of the “rugby connoisseurs” on this site have nothing constructive to add and just adds to the belief that SA fans know buggerall. Calling the Stormers *** isn`t solving anything and neither is cheering Werner`s injury for that matter. Not that we can solve anything from here but you know what I mean. Ag maybe I`m just grumpy today!
14 Mar 2006, 15:34 pm
Thx for proving my point Stan, maybe the homophobic front you are putting up is a result of some deeper issues? Seriously, that`s all the postings you ever make. How about something constructive, with no **** comments thrown in. My feeling is that all the “****`s” in the Stormers team will be able to kick your arse without any effort. Or are you just upset that the Cheetahs ended your dream of equalling WP`s record of 5 CC`s in a row….
14 Mar 2006, 15:46 pm
Boychie
Thanks – I thought it was pretty funny myself…
I hear you bud, but there are a **** load of ous who know more about SA rugby than I could learn in a lifetime (not that I would want to).
Sure calling the Stormers *** isn’t solving anything, but it’s kinda funny in an odd way, isn’t it (maybe just my simple sense of humour). And cheering Werner’s injury… I’m glad he’s not eligible, although it would have been more pleasant if it were because he had a tupperware party on and not due to physical malfunction…
I think if you let your hair down, you’ll find this site a good place to blow off some steam.
14 Mar 2006, 15:47 pm
Listen ous…
If it’s any consolation, I reckon half the Cheetahs are fudge-packers too…
14 Mar 2006, 16:05 pm
and the Bulls….
14 Mar 2006, 16:58 pm
Langman you got it all wrong as usual.
You can’t use the hoary chestnut freedom of speech to start flinging around personal insults.
Kapich
14 Mar 2006, 17:01 pm
Why not Dawn,I do it all the time.
14 Mar 2006, 17:20 pm
Dawn
If you can fling yourself around then we can fling around personal insults.
Gabish?
14 Mar 2006, 18:14 pm
Yawn.
14 Mar 2006, 19:22 pm
No Loss!
15 Mar 2006, 09:37 am
These guys are stumbling already man. Probleeems
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