Inspirational Stormers captain Jean de Villiers injured ligaments in his hand and could be out of Super Rugby action for up to two months.
De Villiers will miss the rest of their overseas tour and is also doubtful for the June tests against England.
As Western Province have parted with the services of Jaque Fourie, Johan Sadie, Tim Whitehead and JJ Engelbregcht, they are very thin when it comes to top class centers.
Danie Poolman has been sent the SOS and will leave for Australia immediately.
With Schalk Burger injured in the first match of the season and now de Villiers crocked, the Stormers have lost their captain and vice captain. The top three candidates to take over the captaincy are Tiaan Liebenberg, Duane Vermeulen and Dewalt Duvenage.
There are also many different combinations for Alistair Coetzee to ponder as he can move de Jongh to 12 and play Vryan Habana at 13 as he did earlier this season or he can start with the promising, but untested JP du Plessis at inside and leave de Jongh at outside center.
The Stormers play defending champions the Reds this weekend and the team will be announced either today or tomorrow.
SGR
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