Taute on the comeback trail

 

The four-times capped Springbok has not been part of the Stormers set up.

 

His progress, while on a rehabilitation regime, has been "slightly" delayed. Taute was initially expected to be available at the beginning of March.

 

Taute has now re-joined full training and could get some game time in the Vodacom Cup next weekend, as they look to ease him back in.

 

Meanwhile, utility back Dillyn Leyds is back at training and will be available for the Stormers' away clash against the Cheetahs this coming weekend.

 

Leyds missed his team’s 15-13 win over the Bulls at the weekend with a shoulder injury, but he came through training on Monday.

 

No.8 Duane Vermeulen took a blow to his shoulder against the Bulls, but it was nothing more than a stinger. He is 100 percent fit.

 

Vice-captain and centre Juan de Jongh did not train on Monday – as the coaching and medical staff continue to manage him – but he is fit to play.

 

Flank Michael Rhodes (hamstring) started treadmill running. He could be back after the bye weekend (May 15 to 17).

 

Wing Kobus van Wyk will be in a knee brace for one more week before his rehabilitation commences. He is still out of action for another five weeks.

 

The Stormers are up against the Cheetahs this weekend, with the Bloemfontein setup impressing with a spirited fightback against the Lions this past Saturday.

 

“We will have the same mindset for this weekend as we do for all South African derbies. We understand how tough these games are and we know we need to pitch up," Stormers boss Allister Coetzee said.

 

“The Cheetahs pushed the Lions in Johannesburg, they’re a good side and this will be a tough match.

 

“There’s a few things we need to get right, like the line-out and I wasn’t happy with the amount of turnovers we conceded – a side like the Cheetahs will punish us for mistakes like that, so we need to respect the ball.”