The Investec Stormers suffered another major setback on Tuesday when big lock Quinton Davids was ruled out of Saturday’s Super 12 clash with the Crusaders at Newlands.

Davids joins fullback Werner Greeff, No 8s Adri Badenhorst and Joe van Niekerk, and hooker Hanyani Shimange on the injury list.

The Springbok second rower had to succumbed to an ankle injury sustained against the Reds on Saturday. With four players already ruled out, coach Gert Smal has opted to give Schalk Burger as much time as possible to recover from the heel injury that forced him off the field on Saturday.

With Badenhorst and Van Niekerk not available, Smal has the option of shifting Gerrie Britz to the flank. Ross Skeate and Andries Bekker would then come into contention as lock combination.

Good news is that Marius Joubert has recovered sufficiently from his ankle injury to be considered. The Investec Stormers side will be announced on Wednesday.