Stormers remove two World Cup-winning Boks from Champions Cup squad
The Stormers have removed the injured duo of Steven Kitshoff and Damian Willemse from their Investec Champions Cup squad just days before their campaign gets underway.
The double World Cup-winning loosehead prop recently underwent neck fusion surgery, while Willemse is suffering from a groin injury in a year where he has been beset by issues.
Kitshoff was recently a guest on RugbyPass TV's Boks Office, where he detailed the severity of his injury and the surgery, saying: “It’s a bit of a stressful one because it’s such a high area of my neck – C1 and C2 – which is a bit of an issue."
The 32-year-old recently revealed on social media that he was "thrilled to share that my operation was a big success,” but added that it will be a "long recovery journey," which explains why he will be unavailable this weekend and beyond for the Stormers.
The pair have been deregistered for the opening round of the competition, against Toulon on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, with two additional players being added.
Zachary Porthen has been called up in Kitshoff's place, while Willemse has been replaced by Jonathan Roche.
Saracens have been forced into the same move ahead of their match against the Bulls, with second-row academy graduate Charlie Barker being replaced by Tiff Eden.
Only one other Champions Cup outfit has opted to alter their squad, with Leicester Tigers deregistering back-row Joshua Manz in order for Cameron Miell to join the squad for their trip to face Bordeaux-Begles.
Edinburgh have been forced into two squad changes ahead of their Challenge Cup meeting with Gloucester, with Scotland centre Mark Bennett and flanker Connor Boyle out. Euan McVie and Tom Currie will step in in their place.
The final squad change comes from France, where Perpignan have called up back-row Andro Dvali for Alan Brazo.
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The 60 minute video was the most child like, self obsessed, victimised, football manager rhetoric on the level of Jose Mourinho garbage I’ve ever seen. It was a disgrace a director of rugby would stoop to the lowest level to make excuses and try to gain an advantage. The level of a football coach!
He should of went through the normal procedure’s with world rugby and complained to the powers that be the proper way. It affected the 2nd and 3rd tests and world rugby should have made more of an example of him.
The abuse Berry received after was appalling, it definitely affected his career since then and his family. Rassie knew what he was doing, even if he has a problem with the gargle. He should have shown respect, humility and went through the proper avenues.
No self respecting human being, never mind coach should be having a 60 minute tantrum online.
Go to commentsmate, speak about living in an alternate reality. He scores 2 tries in one game during the first full season TRC after COVID and then does zip all the next 2 years other than against Argentina and should be guaranteed a RWC spot? What about Wilson and lolesio? What were the arguments for them. Carter Gordon was far more in form during 2022/23 season and lolesio was getting way too comfortable that the 10 jersey was his.
Not sure why you're arguing about Eddie being a bad coach. I agree! Read my first comment. Only thing I defended was his selections. If you think he should have just kept the status quo from Rennie then what's the point of having him come in. It needed a shake up. He overspent in unapproved expenses, yes! he's a Muppet! But did he overspend in contracts and new signings, no he only brought on 4 new debutants. Schmidt on the other hand was given ok after the RWC disaster to start a record 7 debutants.
End of the day whether they lost on the pool stages or quarters doesn't really matter. Because If you truly believe that Rennie's team would have gotten past the quarter finals, I'm not the one being delusional. It was always going to be a high risk high reward play for AU to win the RWC Hamish and Eddie knew that gambled and lost. In spectacular fashion but at least the ARU has hopefully learnt a lesson that there needs to be more change.
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