Cape Town - Influential Stormers' flank Schalk Burger has been ruled out of the Stormers’ playoff against the Brumbies at Newlands.
The blow was confirmed after Burger failed a late fitness test ahead of kick-off at 17:00 on Saturday.
The Springbok flank had left his side's preparations for this match on Thursday after pulling up with a groin injury, and he has been deemed by the Stormers medical staff as not ready for the crucial qualifer against the Brumbies.
Burger’s place in the starting lineup will be taken by Michael Rhodes, while Sikhumbuzo Notshe is promoted to the bench.
The injury news comes as a massive blow to the South African conference champions, who are also without captain and influential number eight Duane Vermeulen.
Stormers lineup:
15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Juan de Jongh (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Michael Rhodes, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Substitutes: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Jaco Taute
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