John Dobson is bracing for a significant injury cloud over the Stormers' URC semi-final campaign after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sustained what the coach describes as a 'serious' ankle injury during Saturday's 44-21 quarter-final victory over Cardiff.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu hurt his ankle in the act of scoring his try and limped off immediately after crossing the line, later seen on crutches. Dobson, who is awaiting scan results before a formal diagnosis, left little doubt about his expectations. "Sacha's injury looks pretty serious to be honest. It looks like a proper ankle injury. We haven't confirmed anything yet, but it's concerning."
The fly-half is not alone in facing a race against time. Lock Ruben van Heerden suffered a head injury and will follow return-to-play protocols, while winger Seabelo Senatla is also likely to be stood down after a category-one HIA — Dobson confirming he was knocked out following a collision with the advertising boards. Centre Dan du Plessis sustained a knee injury that rules him out of the semi-final.
Despite losing four players, Dobson pointed to Jurie Matthee's composure after coming on at fly-half as reason for optimism. Matthee slotted a conversion and penalty in the final quarter and has previous experience running the Stormers' backline during Feinberg-Mngomezulu's Springbok absences. "The way Jurie Matthee is playing and the fight in this squad gives me confidence that we'll find a way," Dobson said.
The Stormers' semi-final venue depends on Sunday's Lions-Leinster result — a Leinster win sends the Cape side to Dublin, while a Lions upset would bring the semi-final to Cape Town.