Cloud hovers over Stormers

The Stormers' injury curse continued with the news that wing Sailosi Tagicakibau will miss Saturday's clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The Samoan import sustained a sternum injury during the Stormers' 18-3 Super 15 win over the Lions at Newlands last weekend.

That means a first start for wing Devon Williams, who made his debut off the bench against the Lions.

Williams is the leading try-scorer in the Vodacom Cup with nine touchdowns and his elevation brings pace and excellent stepping to the set-up although he lacks the size and power of Tagicakibau.

Prop Pat Cilliers has been ruled out for a month with a meniscus injury.

The fit-again Oliver Kebble returns to the bench.

Fullback Jaco Taute also returns to the starting lineup, with Peter Grant reverting to his natural position of flyhalf after Demetri Catrakilis was ruled out this week with a broken nose.

Catrakilis sustained the injury in the fourth minute of the match against the Lions. It meant Grant, who was starting at fullback for the first time in his career, played almost the entire match in an unfamiliar position.

It also allowed Taute another opportunity after weeks of poor performances and he gave a much-improved display.

Grant's goal-kicking, though, remains problematic after he missed two straightforward chances against the Lions. But in these desperate times the Stormers have had to make do with what they have.

On a more positive note, flank Schalk Burger is back after a month on the sidelines after sustaining aninjury against the Chiefs in Hamilton. - Craig Ray