Eben Etzebeth will sit out the Stormers’ first game on tour against the Hurricanes in Wellington due to a concussion he suffered against the Jaguares.

Etzebeth went down in the first half of the clash against the Jaguares, which the Stormers went on to win 35-8, with what appeared to be a head knock. He did not come out for the second half and Cobus Wiese took his place in the second row.

There were fears that the experienced Springbok, playing in his first Vodacom Super Rugby campaign in two years, might be set for another stint on the sidelines.

However, speaking after the match, Stormers coach Robbie Fleck confirmed that Etzebeth will definitely tour, but he is more than likely out for the Hurricanes game.

‘He is probably going to be out for that first game,’ Fleck said. ‘He took a bit of a knock and failed his HIA [head impact assessment] test. It looks like he might be out of that first game.

‘But that is OK. There are some young guns who are looking for an opportunity.

‘Etzebeth will be on the trip. There are four games there and he was going to miss one game on tour anyway [due to Springbok resting protocol]. Now he does not get to choose which game he rests for. It is decided for him.’

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix