RED ALERT

THE Stormers are preparing for life without yster back Damian Willemse when they tackle Glasgow Warriors in the quarterfinals of the United Rugby Championship in two weeks' time.

The Stormers klapped Cardiff 34-24 in their final URC league game on Friday to secure fifth place on the log but paid a heavy price as Willemse got sent off (red card) for a dangerous tackle.

Coach John Dobson and his manskappe will travel to Glasgow to face the defending champions in a rematch of last season’s quarter-final that also took place at Scotstoun Stadium.

And even though Dobson vows they will put up a helse fight in Willemse disciplinary hearing to get him to play in the May 30 knock-out game, he says the Springbok star’s sending-off is a disaster.

Of leaving no stone unturned to get Willemse out of URC mang, Dobson says: “We will mount our best defence [for Damian].

“I haven’t seen enough to comment on what the impact of Zassie’s [Zas] tackle was. I don’t know if it’s enough.

“It was our fault. Gaza [Willemse] was not released by Zas [on defence] on the inside, and he was stuck, then he turned. I don’t think he tried to hit him with the shoulder.”

Dobson adds of how he fears Willemse might cop a four-week ban, like prop Neethling Fouche did: “The implications will be poor for us, I am sure.

“We can’t appeal anything yet until there is a decision. We will decide if we wait for them to give us a ruling or if we will go straight to a judicial officer.

“If we go straight, we will have more chances for a ‘better’ sanction. It sounds like it’s a grey area. But it’s a disaster for us.”