Injury update

Schalk Burger and Nick Koster are only now expected to be back at training in the week of the Rebels fixture with their injury rehab taking longer than originally expected. Duane Vermeulen remains on target for any potential play-off.

Habana, Pietersen, Sinclair and Etzebeth also did not train today. Habana was simply being rested whilst Joe Pietersen has a bout of flu, but both are expected to be available for selection. Eben Etzebeth was experiencing a stiff ankle at training this morning and has been sent for X-rays as a precaution. Jebb Sinclair is due back from international duty tomorrow and will join up with the squad. Andries Bekker has done well with his rehab and is available for selection. Gio Aplon and Jean DeVilliers are 100% and available for selection, as are Kolisi and Malherbe.

The Stormers Boks were back at training today and there was a lot of energy in the camp. Allister Coetzee stressed that they were expecting a massive game from the Lions and that he was carefully considering his selection options given player workload in the international season over the last 3 weeks. Coetzee hinted at Kitsoff and Habana being rested and playing off the bench in the Lions game.

Don Armand and Tyrone Holmes have been training with the squad given that Rynard Elstadt is not available for this game having received a 1 week suspension for picking up 3 yellow cards.