As if the lack of discipline from his senior players was not enough of a headache for Stormers coach Kobus van der Merwe, he also has a few injury concerns ahead of the match against the Chiefs at Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

Mount Maunganui, situated in the City of Tauranga in the beautiful sub-tropical 'Bay of Plenty' region in New Zealand, is one of that country's favourite summer holiday destinations, but for the Stormers there won't be much time to savour the delights of the region.

They need to regroup quickly after their disappointing performance against the Blues at the weekend — a 32-15 defeat in which the scoreline may even flatter the Stormers.

The good news for the Stormers' coach is that star loose forward Joe van Niekerk is expected to be fit to start against the Chiefs.

Van Niekerk, who had again been included on the bench after making his return from injury against the Force in Perth the previous week, was forced to withdraw from the encounter with the Blues.

The Springbok loose forward strained his groin during training prior to the Blues match and, although he responded well to treatment, management decided to rest him as a precaution.

Lock Ross Skeate, who missed the Blues game after picking up a hip injury in the encounter with the Force, is also set for a return.

Scrumhalf Bolla Conradie, who left the field late in the first half after taking a knock to the knee, is receiving treatment, but he is expected to be cleared to play against the Chiefs.

The big concern is flank Luke Watson, who on Monday still sported a badly swollen lip after a clash of heads with Blues counterpart Onosai'i Tololima Auva'a. Apart from the facial damage there could also be some concussion concerns, as he left the field looking very dazed.

A decision on Watson's availability will be taken later in the week.

There are also concerns over prop Neil Fullard's ankle, and he is being monitored and treated. A decision on his availability will also be taken later in the week.

Injuries aside, Van der Merwe had reason to be upset over the blatant lack of discipline shown by his senior players, and he rightfully slammed captain De Wet Barry and hooker Hanyani Shimange for their poor performances in the loss to the Blues.

Both players received yellow cards during the game.

"It's totally unacceptable coming from two senior Springboks," said Van der Merwe.

Shimange was sin-binned for a professional foul in the 51st minute and Barry five minutes later for a dangerous tackle — something that has become an all to regular occurrence with Barry in recent seasons.

On top of that, the Stormers conceded 11 penalties in the first half alone, and Van der Merwe's message to his side going into Saturday's match against the Chiefs is that such poor discipline is the road to ruin.

"You won't win any game by giving away 11 penalties in the first half and then getting two yellow cards in the second. It is extremely disappointing and totally unacceptable," said Van der Merwe.

"We made mistakes, got frustrated and just lost our discipline. It was 13-6 when we got the yellow cards and the guys did brilliantly when we were down to 13 men. We eventually got back to 20-15 down, but two crucial mistakes in the last 10 minutes cost us dearly."

This lack of discipline may mean that Van der Merwe will consider some drastic changes, perhaps axing a few senior Springboks, including his captain, as he tries to stir the team back into some kind of form.

365

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