The Stormers have suffered a significant setback ahead of the United Rugby Championship semi-finals after star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sustained what appears to be a serious ankle syndesmosis injury during their 44-21 quarter-final win over Cardiff at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Director of Rugby John Dobson confirmed that Feinberg-Mngomezulu will undergo scans, but it is highly unlikely he will feature in the semi-final, whether against Leinster in Dublin or the Lions at home.Dobson expressed confidence in replacement Jurie Matthee to step up, despite the blow of losing one of the world’s most in-demand players.

The team also picked up other injuries: lineout caller Ruben van Heerden suffered a head injury and is expected to follow return-to-play protocols, winger Seabelo Senatla was knocked out after colliding with advertising boards, and inside centre Dan du Plessis hurt his knee.

Dobson described the quarter-final as 'costly' but remains optimistic about the squad's resilience, emphasising that the team tends to bond and strengthen in the face of adversity.The injuries pose a real challenge for the Stormers as they prepare for a crucial semi-final clash next weekend.