Van Rhyn to the rescue: Stormers coach confident they'll overcome Van Heerden's absence

Stormers coach John Dobson is confident they'll cope without star lock Ruben van Heerden in Saturday's Champions Cup round of 16 clash against Harlequins.

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Van Heerden, who joined the Stormers on a short-term deal in January, isn't eligible to play in the Champions Cup for the Stormers this season because he played for Exeter Chiefs in the early rounds of the competition.

"We knew that when we signed him," Dobson told reporters on Wednesday. "We signed him on a short-term contract, which has become long-term.

"However, he can’t play in the Champions Cup this season. There are exceptions - like the South African contracting cycle that ends in December and clubs in financial distress - such as [the two west Midlands-based clubs in the Premiership] Worcester Warriors and Wasps.

"However, he doesn't fall in any of those categories.”

Van Heerden's No 4 spot for this weekend is expected to be filled by Ernst van Rhyn.

"He (Van Heerden) has been playing exceptionally," the Stormers mentor added.

"However, Ernst van Rhyn is probably one of our most underrated players. They are very, very similar.

"With Gary Porter to come onto the bench - when the team is announced on Friday - it does take a bit of pressure off having to play Marvin (Orie) deep into the match, because of the lineouts.

"Ruben is brilliant, but in the context of what Ernst is going to bring, it's not a big blow."

Dobson will name his team on Friday, with Saturday's clash at Cape Town Stadium scheduled for 16:00.