Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will make his return for the Stormers against the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.

Etzebeth missed the entire 2014 Vodacom Super Rugby season for the Stormers and has yet to make an appearance this year after suffering a chest injury in the pre-season victory over the Cheetahs.

His return, along with fellow second rower Jean Kleyn (hamstring) is a timely one. Jurie van Vuuren has been ruled out for at least three weeks with a shoulder injury, while Ruan Botha is a doubt for this weekend's match with a concussion.

Michael Rhodes (knee) is another that is feeling the effects of Saturday's bruising battle with the Lions, and will undergo scans later this week to determine the severity of the injury.

However, the Stormers will be boosted by the return of Schalk Burger from Japan. He will arrive in Cape Town on Tuesday and a call on his participation will be made later in the week.

Speaking at the High Performance centre in Bellville on Monday, coach Allister Coetzee reflected on the weekend's victory, as the Stormers maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

'The guys showed great character last week, I was very pleased with the players’ effort – despite the mistakes they made. The good thing, however, is that these mistakes can be fixed.

'We’re not reading anything into the Sharks’ loss to the Bulls, they’re a powerful side and we need to make a lot of improvements if we are to keep up our good record at home.'

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images