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Cape Town - The Stormers are sweating on the availability of loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff but remain confident that his absence would not pose a problem in Saturday’s Super Rugby opener against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Kitshoff injured his hamstring in the 87-5 win over Boland last Friday and according to Netwerk24, the Stormers will know on Tuesday whether he can play against the Bulls.
Forwards coach Russell Winter said Ali Vermaak would prove a more than capable replacement for Kitshoff.
"It will be a loss if Steven is not available but Ali was fantastic in last year’s Currie Cup and really deserves an opportunity. He gives his heart and soul to the team... is a WP man through and through... he scrums well and does well in broken play. I really hope this will be his year," Winter said.
Apart from Vermaak, there’s also the services of Corne Fourie to call on.
"Corne arrived from the Lions with a great attitude. Depth will be vital to our cause this year," Winter added.
Saturday’s clash at Loftus Versfeld is scheduled for 17:15.
