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30/01/2008 22:18
Cape Town - Springbok Eddie Andrews may return earlier than has been expected to boost the prop-forward situation in the Stormers rugby squad for the Super 14 season.
Andrews won't be available for the opening match against the Bulls on February 16 but he has been making good progress since suffering a back injury.
"I initially thought Eddie would be fit again only towards the middle of the Super 14 season but he may be back earlier," Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus said after a practice session in Durbanville on Wednesday.
He added that lock Ross Skeate, centre Jean de Villiers, fullback Conrad Jantjes and prop Brian Mujati were now fit to take part in contact sessions.
Erasmus was unable to say when Andrews would return but he would like to have the versatile front-row forward back as soon as possible after Schalk Ferreira was ruled out because of a serious neck injury.
Andrews made his Springbok debut in 2004 under Jake White's coaching. He is not without critics but when he is fit and focussed he can be a valuable asset to the Stormers and South Africa.
Erasmus also confirmed that former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown would be available for the Stormers from March 10, the Monday after the team's fourth match of the season, against the Reds in Brisbane.
Brown could therefore be considered for the match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on March 14.
Until then, Springbok Peter Grant is likely to be the No 1 choice at No 10, with Ishma-eel Dolly as backup.
Flyhalf Naas Olivier has left for France and is no longer available for the Stormers.
Erasmus dismissed fears that the Stormers may not be match fit (after only one warm-up match) when they play the Bulls, last year's Super 14 champions, at Newlands.
"One can simulate match situations on several occasions on the training ground," he explained.
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