The Stormers have lost key Springboks forwards Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth from the remaining two matches of their month-long Super Rugby trip to Australia and New Zealand, the team announced on Monday.
Du Toit is returning to Cape Town for the birth of his first child, while a calf injury has ruled Etzebeth out of Friday’s match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane and the Apr. 12 clash at the Melbourne Rebels.
Etzebeth was hurt in Saturday’s 24-9 loss to the Blues in Auckland.
Also out is Dan du Plessis, who limped out of the Blues fixtures in New Zealand with a knee injury after just 10 minutes.
The centre is headed home to Cape Town.
Wilco Louw is remaining with the tour party, however, as his ankle injury is being assessed before a decision is made on his availability for Friday’s match.
Wing Seabelo Senatla and utility forwards Johan du Toit and Ernst van Rhyn left South Africa for Australia on Monday to reinforce the squad.