Etzebeth set to return for Stormers in trial match

The Stormers have revealed that lock Eben Etzebeth is in line to play against the Cheetahs in Friday’s Super Rugby warm up match against the Cheetahs on Friday at Newlands.

The Springbok lock was rested last week against the SWD Eagles in George but he will come into contention for Friday night after again training fully at the HPC in Bellville.

While Etzebeth could make his return this week loose forwards Nizaam Carr and Siya Kolisi and inside centre/fullback Jaco Taute (knee) will not be available yet.

Carr continues to make good progress with a viral infection and started conditioning work today.

Kolisi has a tight hamstring and will not be risked and will, again, sit out as a precaution this weekend.

Meanwhile Taute visited a knee specialist on Monday but will not be considered for selection either at this stage.

Prop Frans Malherbe (ankle) and locks Jean Kleyn (meniscus) and Ruan Botha (ankle) continue to make good progress from their long-term injuries, with Kleyn set to come into selection contention either this week or next week.

The Stormers play the Cheetahs this week and then conclude their three-match pre-season campaign against the Boland Cavaliers (away) on Saturday, February 7.