Stormers lock Etzebeth out for up to eight weeks

Etzebeth limped off in the first half of his team's 57-0 pre-season win over the Boland Cavaliers on Saturday and a subsequent scan revealed that he tore ligaments in his left ankle after landing awkwardly at a line-out.

"It's unfortunate for the team and Eben, but injuries are part and parcel of the game," said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.

The Stormers have completed their pre-season playing schedule after taking part in warm-up matches against the Cheetahs and Boland on Feb. 2 and 9, respectively.

The 2011 and 2012 South African Conference winners will open their 2013 Super Rugby season against the Bulls in Pretoria on Feb. 22.