Vermaak blow for Stormers

Cape Town - The Stormers are likely to be without the services of scrumhalf Jano Vermaak for an extended period.

Vermaak missed last Saturday's clash against the Brumbies due to a neck injury, with Nic Groom starting in the No 9 jersey and Louis Schreuder providing cover off the bench.

According to Netwerk24, Vermaak nees to undergo an operation and is set to be sidelined for at least three months.

This means Groom will again start in the No 9 jersey against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday (kick-off 23:40 SA time).

Vermaak's injury is another opportunity for Groom to stamp his authority on the scrumhalf position.

Both Groom and Schreuder had copped criticism in recent times for their performances, with Vermaak bought from French club Toulouse to bolster the Cape side's scrumhalf stocks.

The other scrumhalf option is Godlen Masimla, but he is likely to gain more experience with Western Province's Currie Cup team.