The tackle that injured the ankle of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on his way to scoring a try. The Stormers flyhalf looked to have picked up an ankle syndesmosis and will miss the URC semi-final.
Image: Phando Jikelo
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will miss the semi-final of the United Rugby Championship (URC) after sustaining what appeared to be a serious ankle syndesmosis injury in the quarter-final victory over Cardiff in Cape Town.
Director of Rugby John Dobson confirmed the Springbok flyhalf will undergo scans, but he is highly likely to miss the semi-final, whether against Leinster in Dublin or the Lions in Cape Town next weekend.
It is a massive blow for the Cape side following the 44-21 win at the DHL Stadium to lose their general at such a crucial stage, but Dobson is confident replacement Jurie Matthee can step up. Three other Stormers players picked up injuries and will also spend some time on the sidelines.
“It was a costly quarter-final,” Dobson said after the match.
“Sacha looks pretty serious, to be honest. The doctor’s given me some views, but it looks like a proper ankle injury.
“However, I feel like we are going to be okay. Jurie is doing really well, and this is a big blow. But when we have blows, this team gets together and gels. To lose probably the most in-demand player in the world before the semis is not ideal.”
Dobson also confirmed that lineout caller Ruben van Heerden suffered a head injury and will, in all likelihood, be stood down to follow return-to-play protocols. Van Heerden was withdrawn at halftime, with Marcel Theunissen performing well in the lineouts as his replacement. However, his presence in the semi-final would be a significant loss.
There was also bad news regarding Seabelo Senatla. The winger thought he had scored in the corner, but the try was eventually ruled out. In the process, Senatla knocked himself out after crashing into the LED advertising boards. He got back to his feet and appeared keen to continue, but was withdrawn shortly afterwards.
Inside centre Dan du Plessis is the fourth player who was injured. He hurt his knee and looks set to miss the semis.