The Stormers have been dealt a huge blow on Thursday, less than a month before the start of the Super 14.
Flyhalf Willem de Waal is unlikely to take part in any of the warmup matches before the all-important season-opening clash with the Sharks at Newlands on Valentine's Day. De Waal is struggling with a hand injury and team management says he won't be taking any contact until the first game.
Fullback, Conrad Jantjes, has now fully recovered from his groin strain and will be phased back slowly. He'll ! miss next Sunday's first warm-up match against English club Saracens at Newlands. Percy Montgomery, veteran of more than 100 tests for the Springboks, is likely to operate from fullback while Peter Grant is expected to wear the number 10 jersey.
Springbok tighthead, Brian Mujati, will play against the English powerhouse after recovering from a shoulder injury earlier than anticipated.
The Stormers' preparations have been further dented with the news that a few of its players are being investigated for allegedly getting their motorcycle learners licenses illegally.
