Stormers suffer double injury blow

The Stormers have been dealt a double injury blow with the news that lock JD Schickerling and hooker Bongi Mbonambi face extended spells on the sidelines.

Schickerling will undergo surgery on a torn pectoral muscle and has been ruled out for four months.

Mbonambi has had two abdominal surgeries as a result of appendicitis and will only be fit to train fully in three months.

Meanwhile, flanks Cobus Wiese (shoulder) and Kobus van Dyk (ankle) and wing Seabelo Senatla (groin) will be given until Wednesday to prove their fitness to face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

Stormers coach Robbie Fleck has singled out Wiese as a potential Springbok after his impressive display in the 45-28 loss to the Crusaders.

Wiese gained 59 metres with two clean breaks and a try assist from 14 carries. Wiese was voted SANZAAR Super Rugby Player of the Week for his all-action display which also saw him also make 15 hits while securing three turnovers.

"He was outstanding. He was our Man of the Match," said Fleck. 

"For a 20-year-old to deliver a performance like that in New Zealand… he was absolutely everywhere and he stuck his hand up as a potential Springbok going forward. 

"It was an outstanding performance physically, emotionally and just with his work rate around the park."