'Tahs put Palmer on standby
May 07 2008
Waratahs Head Coach Ewen McKenzie has placed rookie prop Dan Palmer on standby after Al Baxter took a knock to the face at training.
Palmer is on his way to Cape Town and is scheduled to arrive late on Wednesday. The Waratahs have already lost one tighthead prop in Matt Dunning with a calf strain.
"Al copped a blow to the face and he's has some scans as a precaution," said McKenzie.
"The scans haven't revealed anything serious but tighthead is such a confrontational position that we need to be sure Al's one hundred per cent by Saturday.
"We've got a few days up our sleeve and I'm pretty sure Al will be OK. If not, I've got full confidence in Dan who made his debut against the massive Highlanders front row in Dunedin this year."
McKenzie said the build up to the Stormers clash has been significant.
"It's like semi-final week in Cape Town, we've been busy with the local press and the sports pages are dominated by this game. It's going to be a memorable night for our guys at Newlands.
"We need to focus on our job better than last week because the Stormers will be desperate to win in front of their home crowd."
McKenzie will finalise his side after training on Thursday.