Vodacom Stormers scrumhalf Neil de Kock has been ruled out of the Vodacom Super 14 clash against the Reds today due to a shoulder injury.

De Kock, who injured the shoulder against the Chiefs last week, had been bracketed on the bench with Joe Pietersen when the team was announced on Wednesday.

He underwent a final fitness test at the Captain’s run at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane yesterday where it was determined that he would not be fit to take part in the match. Pietersen will therefore be on the bench with Bolla Conradie starting the match.