Stormers centre Damian de Allende out for three months with ankle injury
Tuesday 28 February 2017 09:17, UK
South Africa and Stormers centre Damian de Allende has been ruled out for three months after picking up an ankle injury on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was hurt during the Stormers' 37-24 victory over the Bulls in their Super Rugby season opener and a scan confirmed he is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
De Allende, who has 22 caps for South Africa, will now aim to return for the Springboks' three-Test home series against France in June.
"Damian was obviously a big loss as you would have all seen what great nick he was in this year and he has put in an incredible amount of preparation during the pre-season," said Stormers skills coach Paul Feeney.
"I feel gutted for him because I think he was the fittest he has ever been. He has been achieving personal bests in training and last Saturday against the Bulls we saw how good he can be at giving us good front foot ball.
"He is a massive loss. But hey, things like this happen in rugby. I feel sorry for Damian but what happened happened and we have to move on."
Scotland international Huw Jones, who will join Guinness PRO12 side Glasgow Warriors next season, will now take a more prominent role in the 2017 Super Rugby season according to Feeney, who insisted the Stormers had options to cover De Allende.
"Huw Jones with his pace is an excellent 13 but he also has the ability to be a good 12 and we can mix and match on attack," Feeney added.
"I've been very impressed with Dan du Plessis, who is only 20 years of age, and we all know what Huw Jones, who will be back with us this week, can do after watching him play for Scotland.
"It is a blow to have lost Juan de Jongh too because we lose a lot of experience and the fly-half is young and so is the outside centre, but Dan Kriel came on as a replacement against the Bulls and I thought he was good. He is also a youngster. We do have good options."
