Cape Town - Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says he is still looking for an experienced loose forward after negotiations with Francois Louw proved unsuccessful.

GALLERY: Past weekend's sporting pictures

The Stormers are short of loose forward experience with Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen and Nick Koster all out with knee injuries.

This prompted them to try gain the services of Louw, who currently plies his trade with English club Bath.

Die Burger reports that Coetzee is still keen to sign a suitable eighthman or blindside flank to fill the void left by injuries.

"The plan with Francois Louw is unfortunately off.

"For now we'll have to make do with what we've got. Western Province made the semi-finals of the Vodacom Cup so it's good to be able to use players from there.

"However, it does not mean that I can't look elsewhere for a player. We need someone with experience.

"We need someone that can play No 8 or No 7 because Duane Vermeulen and Nick Koster are both injured. Siya (Kolisi) is doing really well at No 6 and Deon Fourie also showed on tour he can play there," said Coetzee.

Kolisi missed practice on Monday but is expected to start against the Cheetahs.

"Siya is a bit stiff, but we only rested him as a precautionary measure. He'll be ready this weekend," said Coetzee.

The Stormers take on the Cheetahs at Newlands (19:10 kick-off) on Saturday evening.