The Stormers' injury curse struck again after captain Jean de Villiers was ruled out of Saturday's match against the Bulls at Loftus.

De Villiers, who has a shoulder problem, is one of a number of injury concerns for coach Allister Coetzee. Prop Steven Kitshoff (knee ligaments), scrumhalf Louis Schreuder (fractured thumb), winger Kobus van Wyk (wrist ligaments) and lock Jurie van Vuuren (shoulder) are facing lengthy periods on the sidelines.

It is De Villiers, though, who will be the biggest blow for the men from Western Cape as they look to resurrect their season, now without the help of their inspirational skipper. Perhaps with their season all but run, De Villiers will be granted some much-needed rest ahead of the Springbok's mid-year Tests.

Coetzee will more than likely call on Schalk Burger to lead the team in their battle against the old foe, after his barnstorming performance against the Highlanders last weekend.

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