CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Stormers and South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks and miss the start of the Super 15 after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in a warm-up game.
The Stormers say Sunday the 6-foot-8 second-rower was injured after he landed awkwardly at a lineout. He will be out for a minimum of six weeks.
Coach Allister Coetzee says "it's unfortunate for the team and Eben but ... injuries are part and parcel of the game."
The Stormers, who have lost a final and two semifinals in the last three years, open their season on Feb. 22 against South African rivals the Bulls.
The 21-year-old Etzebeth was impressive for both his province and the Springboks last season, his first in the Super 15 and in international rugby.
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