Big Joe withdrawn from Blues match

Van Niekerk had again been included on the bench after making his return against the Force in Perth last week.

Van Niekerk strained his groin during training this week and, although he has responded well to treatment, management has decided to rest him as a precuation this week. Van Niekerk’s place on the Stormers bench will be taken by Justin Melck.

Coach Kobus van der Merwe said: “Joe has just returned from a lenghty lay off and we have to manage him very carefully. It is better for him to have time to rest and recover now than to face the prospect of missing out on more games later on”.