Overview
- Rugby365 and Netwerk24 report Moerat tore big-toe ligaments against the Sharks and will undergo surgery with an expected six-month recovery.
- The injury occurred during the URC Round 10 match at Cape Town Stadium, where the surface has drawn sustained criticism from the Stormers.
- Coach John Dobson has linked increased turf toe and abrasion injuries to the venue’s 50/50 synthetic-natural pitch following a December motocross event.
- Adré Smith was hospitalised with an infected knee after landing on a bare patch, while Phepsi Buthelezi and Neethling Fouché also suffered pitch-related knocks.
- Cape Town Stadium COO Louw Visagie says the field meets World Rugby standards, as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus flags thin lock depth ahead of July Tests.