Stormers reveal injury that has kept Bok star Frans Malherbe out of action

On Tuesday, Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman revealed why Malherbe has yet to feature for the Cape Town outfit this season.

Snyman said that a chronic lower-back issue was the cause for the Bok star's absence, but added that the 32-year-old has been receiving treatment and shouldn't be kept out of action for much longer - though he could not confirm a date for Malherbe's return.

"I am not sure exactly when he will be available, but he is at the facility doing his rehabilitation and getting himself ready to play again," Snyman told Rugby365.

"He struggled with it previously while with us.

"He probably picked it up [aggravated it] in the World Cup.

"After the World Cup, he saw a few specialists.

"He is up and running with us, so it should not be too long now."

Malherbe should be a very welcome addition to the Stormers' ranks when he does return, as they seemed to miss his power against La Rochelle last weekend.

Looking ahead to this weekend's clash against the in-form Bulls, Snyman said he expected another tough front row battle with the Bulls sporting plenty of firepower up front.

Their front row stocks include former Stormers man Wilco Louw, and Snyman paid tribute to Jake White smart recruitment policy which has seen them make some significant strides this season.

"It's something that they have worked on for a few seasons now," he said. "It's not just happened between the seasons.

"One or two players there are making a big difference.

"Wilco has been giving them stability in the scrums, and the ability of Willie [le Roux] to combine with other players, that's what they are doing well at the moment.

"There is just a little more variation in their game, which is great.

"It's a nice challenge for us. It suits their players as well.

"If you have Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie on the wings, you want to get them the ball and they are doing that well."

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