Post-match, John Dobson, the Stormers' Director of Rugby, revealed the extent of the damages. "Immy's got a reasonably serious knee injury, Dewaldt broke his arm," he disclosed, highlighting concerns over the scrumhalves Imad Khan and Dewaldt Duvenage who both left the field injured.
"Immy's got a reasonably serious knee injury, Dewaldt broke his arm."
The injuries pose a significant issue for the team's lineup, especially with Khan slated to be the first choice scrumhalf for the upcoming Vodacom URC season, stepping in for the absent Springbok Cobus Reinach. However, Dobson remains hopeful, citing potential backups. “We’ve got two great scrumhalves in the Currie Cup in Stef Ungerer and Ezekiel Ngobeni and then, if we have to look, we have to look,” he stated.
"We’ve got two great scrumhalves in the Currie Cup in Stef Ungerer and Ezekiel Ngobeni and then, if we have to look, we have to look."
Dobson also praised the commendable performance of the Stormers who played their first competitive fixture since May. “There’s enormous pride in our change room. I can’t fault anything about the team and it was a remarkable effort,” he expressed. The team had only three weeks of preparation, with their last contact being in Dublin against Leinster in the URC semi-final.
"There’s enormous pride in our change room. I can’t fault anything about the team and it was a remarkable effort."
The spotlight shone brightly on Yaqeen Ahmed, a 20-year-old flyhalf who made his debut with two successful conversions. Dobson remarked on Ahmed's ability to handle the pressure. “Really composed, took the ball on and wasn’t daunted by the occasion,” he commented. Ahmed's interaction with All Blacks' star Beauden Barrett post-game, where they swapped jerseys, was noted as a highlight of the sporting spirit.
"Really composed, took the ball on and wasn’t daunted by the occasion."
Despite the loss and the injuries, the match against the iconic All Blacks was an event that tested the mettle and showcased the potential of the Stormers. As they navigate through their roster challenges, the resilience shown promises a season of determined rugby ahead.
The duel, while costly, was a testament to the Stormers' readiness and determination to face top global competition and overcome adversity. This match sets the tone for what's to come in the rugby calendar for the Stormers.
