Cape Town - Star Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth is likely to be unleashed on the Cheetahs in Friday's pre-season clash at Newlands (19:00 kick-off).
The powerhouse Springbok lock was rested from this past Saturday's trip to George but will come into contention for Friday night after again training fully at the HPC in Bellville on Monday.
Loose forwards Nizaam Carr and Siya Kolisi are not available for selection as yet and neither is inside centre/fullback Jaco Taute (knee).
The Stormers, 34-3 victors over the SWD Eagles at Outeniqua Park a few days ago, will face up to the Cheetahs at Newlands this Friday, before concluding their three-match pre-season campaign against the Boland Cavaliers (away) on Saturday, February 7.
The Stormers team to face the Cheetahs on Friday night will be announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The full DHL Stormers injury report on Monday:
- Loose forward Nizaam Carr (viral infection) continues to make good progress and started conditioning work on Monday. He will not be available for selection this week.
- Flank Siya Kolisi (tight hamstring) will not be risked and will, again, sit out as a precaution this weekend.
- Centre/fullback Jaco Taute visited a knee specialist on Monday and will not be considered for selection either at this stage.
- Prop Frans Malherbe (ankle) and locks Jean Kleyn (meniscus) and Ruan Botha (ankle) continue to make good progress from their long-term injuries, with Kleyn set to come into selection contention either this week or next week.