Malherbe Still Sidelined, But Ackermann’s Arrival Brings a Spark for Dobson
The Stormers are entering a pivotal phase of their preparations with a mix of concern and cautious optimism. While the prolonged absence of veteran Springbok prop Frans Malherbe remains a major blow to their forward pack, the arrival of loose forward Ruan Ackermann has injected fresh energy into the squad, providing head coach John Dobson with a much-needed morale boost.
Malherbe, a cornerstone of the Stormers’ scrum for over a decade, is still sidelined with a lingering injury that has proven more stubborn than initially anticipated. While specifics around his condition remain guarded, it’s clear that the team is not expecting him back anytime soon.
“Frans is still in rehab and not yet ready for full contact,” said Dobson. “He’s frustrated, and so are we, because he’s such a key figure in our setup. But we’ve got to be patient and make sure he returns fully fit — we can’t afford a relapse.”
Malherbe’s absence leaves a noticeable void, especially in terms of experience and scrummaging dominance. The Stormers will have to rely on their younger front rowers to step up during this critical period.
However, there’s a brighter development in the form of Ruan Ackermann, the powerful back-rower who has returned from England after several successful seasons with Gloucester. The son of former Lions and Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann, Ruan brings a blend of physicality, work rate, and rugby intelligence that has already impressed the coaching staff.
“It’s only his first week, but you can already see his class,” Dobson noted. “He’s aggressive, smart, and fits our game plan perfectly. The younger players are learning from him, and the senior guys are feeding off his energy. He’s been a real lift.”
Ackermann’s versatility — being able to cover all three loose forward positions — gives the Stormers added depth, especially in the absence of Malherbe’s influence in the tight five. His leadership and calm demeanor in training have already started to make an impact.
While the Stormers still have a mountain to climb in the absence of one of their most experienced players, Ackermann’s return is a timely reminder that reinforcements can come just when they are needed most. Dobson may still be missing his veteran tighthead, but at least now, he has something — and someone — to smile about.
