Stormers suffer Du Preez blow

Cape Town - The Stormers have confirmed that flyhalf Robert du Preez will be out of action for 12 weeks as he recovers from his knee injury.

Du Preez hobbled off in the 45^th minute of Saturday’s 20-10 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, and coach Robbie Fleck confirmed on Tuesday that the 22-year-old was “gutted”.

“He should be fit and ready to go, if all goes well, after the June Tests. It is not the end of his season … and he should be ready before the play-offs,” said Fleck.

“He only got the news yesterday from the surgeon, and at least he doesn’t require surgery. Obviously he’s gutted, but that’s rugby.”

Kurt Coleman, who replaced Du Preez against the Cheetahs, is expected to start this weekend’s clash against the Sharks at Newlands.