The Stormers's worst fears were realised on Monday when their powerhouse prop JD Moller was ruled out of further Super 14 action this season with a dislocated shoulder.

The scrummager who packs down at loosehead will be out for "12 to 16 weeks" according to Stormers media manager Frikkie Erasmus.

A scan, after a visit to a shoulder specialist, has revealed Moller suffered serious damage following the injury he picked up midway through the first half of the Stormers' match against the Hurricanes at Newlands on Saturday.

Moller's unavailability will be a crushing blow to the Stormers' drive for a Super 14 play-off berth, as his contribution in the team's spectacular run of victories has been huge.

He's been rock steady at scrum time and has been at the heart of the Stormers' resurgence in the tight exhanges.

Little depth at prop

The other problem is there is no obvious replacement that offers Moller's ability, although loosehead specialist Schalk Ferreira, who has only just returned to action after suffering injuries in a motor car accident earlier this year, has strong claims.

The mobile Ferreira should fit in well with this Stormers side, and he'll bring some pace to the pack.

Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus is also considering the claims of Janro van Niekerk and Wikus Blaauw.

Waiting on Chavhanga

The Stormers will be hoping for better news on the injury situation of their star winger Tonderai Chavhanga, who pulled up with a strained hamstring in the first half against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Eramus recently described the Zimbabwean-born winger as "a special talent" and Chavhanga's form this season has made him a serious contender for inclusion in the Springbok squad for the in-coming tours, which get under way in June.

Sapa