Duane feels pain for the Stormers

The Stormers earned a much-needed break by clinching second on the overall Super 15 standings, to secure a home semifinal, although they could go into the match without No8 Duane Vermeulen.

The tough loose forward sustained a severe knee injury during Saturday's 44-34 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, and could be out for the rest of the campaign after he was stretchered from the field.

He will undergo scans today to ascertain the severity of the injury.

It would be a massive blow for the Stormers, as Vermeulen has played every game this season and is one of the key components of their defensive structure.

If the injury is not as bad as feared, the fact that the Stormers have a bye this weekend before the semifinal could give Vermeulen enough time to recover. But it depends on whether he suffered ligament damage or not.

Victory for the Stormers set up their second home semifinal in two years, but the identity of their opponents won't be known until after this coming weekend's first play-off round.

The top-of-the-table Reds will also enjoy a bye this weekend.

The fourth-placed Blues host the fifth-placed Waratahs in Auckland, while the third-placed Crusaders meet the sixth-placed Sharks in Nelson.

The Reds will play the highest-ranked team in the semifinals and the Stormers will play the lowest-ranked. If the Sharks win, they will travel to Brisbane to meet the Reds as the highest-ranked team. There is no way they can meet the Stormers in the semifinals.

"It was a very pleasing result for us, and it is very much mission accomplished," Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said after the Cheetahs match. "At the beginning of the year our goal was to earn a home semifinal, so we are obviously delighted that we have achieved our goal.

"The break is much needed for the players. They have worked really hard throughout the season and this is their reward for all their efforts.

"They will have a week off and it is an opportunity not only to have a physical break, but a mental break from the game, to ensure that they come back next week refreshed and ready for the semi-final."

The return of flyhalf Peter Grant from a four-week injury lay-off had a massive positive impact on the team, as he contributed 24 points from three conversions and four penalties, missing one kick at goal.

New scrumhalf Louis Schreuder also delivered a polished performance and with first-choice halfback Dewaldt Duvenage fit for the semi, the Stormers are feeling positive.

Grant, after his lengthy lay-off showed no rustiness, and confirmed that he would not play a club match during the bye weekend.