Quartet back for Stormers

Stormers coach Robbie Fleck confirmed on Monday that Frans Malherbe, Nizaam Carr, Oliver Kebble and Daniel du Plessis have all been "cleared fit to play".

Malherbe, the squad co-captain, has been out of action for the last three weeks after injuring his neck in the third Test against Ireland in June. Du Plessis, Carr and Kebble all picked up injuries during the team's Australian tour.

However, the Stormers will be without flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis for Saturday's encounter.

Du Plessis injured his ankle during his team's 52-24 win over the Southern Kings last weekend and is expected to be out of action for the rest of the season.

The pivot went for scans and the Stormers coaching staff will only know the extent of the injury late on Monday.

Meanwhile, Meanwhile Fleck also confirmed that Robert du Preez, Daniel du Plessis, Jaco Taute and Jean Kleyn have all been cleared to play in the play-offs.

There was some concern in the Stormers camp surrounding their availability as they have all played in fewer than four games during the campaign. 

However, they were part of the Stormers squad that was submitted to SANZAAR at the beginning of the season and that is why they are eligible for the play-offs.

The Stormers are still waiting on SANZAAR's decision over the availability of Scott van Breda, who was not part of the original squad for this year's Super Rugby campaign. Until then Fleck has to wait before he can finalise his matchday 23.

"We need to select a team obviously and it does affect us in terms of a six/two split versus a five/three split [on the bench]," Fleck told reporters on Monday. 

"Fortunately we got most of our answers today and are just waiting on the answer surrounding Scott [van Breda]. 

"We obviously put some plans in place, but we would like that admin out of the way as soon as possible. We will select a side by tomorrow [Tuesday] afternoon."

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com