Head coach John Dobson is sweating over the availability of a key player for the clash between the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town on Saturday.

A dramatic 21-20 victory over European champions La Rochelle saw the Stormers secure their first win of the 2023-24 Champions Cup on Saturday afternoon.

However, the result came at a big cost for the Capetonians, as right winger Ben Loader was forced off in the second half of the match with a shoulder injury.

Making his first appearance in the blue and white hoops at the Cape Town Stadium, the Englishman had earlier given the crowd something to shout about with an excellent take and finish from a Damian Willemse cross-field kick.

STORMERS vs BULLS: When SA giants collide

Speaking after the match, Dobson praised the performances of Loader, but said that the 25-year-old’s injury could potentially rule him out to face the Bulls, and the Sharks next week, in the Vodacom URC.

“He was great at Welford Road [against Leicester Tigers] and he was great against La Rochelle,” he told reporters. “I think he suits our game model.

“I think we just haven’t hit our flow yet and when we do, Ben will profit from that. Unfortunately, it looks like he has done his shoulder, which probably comes at the wrong time.

“I don’t know how serious it is but I doubt he will play in the next few weeks. It’s a pity. He has been great – physical, fast and he has got time and that is always a sign of a great player.”

Should Loader be ruled out, the Stormers will likely turn to Courtnall Skosan to don the No 14 jersey, while Suleiman Hartzenberg can slot in if necessary.

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix