Despite a neck injury that forced him to miss last Friday's warm-up match against the South Western Districts Eagles, Stormers captain Corne Krige is keen to get back on the field.

On Tuesday, the fiery flanker was still hoping to lead his side on to the Wellington turf on Friday night, where the Stormers play the Boland Kavaliers.

But all indications are that Krige will have to be content with watching his teammates from the sidelines again. The Springbok injured his neck during a training session at Brookside last Tuesday.

X-rays revealed no serious damage, but a rest period of a week was prescribed. A return to action against the Kavaliers was predicted, but Krige aggravated the injury in a gym session.

Now it seems certain he will only make his first appearance for 2001 against Western Province at Newlands next Friday. "I'm not 100 percent right, so I'm taking things easy. We haven't made a decision yet about my participation in Friday night's game.

"I don't want to withdraw too close to the game, though, and that's why we will make a decision later on Tuesday."

Krige reluctantly admitted that his chances of playing are minimal. But he emphasised how much he wants to lead the Stormers on Friday.

"I desperately want to play, but it will be stupid to take chances and aggravate the injury before the start of the Super 12. If there is any chance that I won't be 100 percent before Friday I won't play.

"My neck is much better, but when I'm doing exercises in the gymnasium I feel it. I don't want to do anything that would hurt it," he added.

In Krige's absence, Bob Skinstad will lead the Stormers from the No 8 position, with Springboks Hendrik Gerber and Adri Badenhorst at the sides of the scrum. No 8 Chean Roux, who starred against the Eagles, is battling a stiff neck, while flank/No 8 Rob Brink is still recovering from feet injuries. Pietie Ferreira will probably do bench duty.

There is an abundance of talent among the Stormers loose forwards and it won't be a train smash if Krige doesn't play, but the flanker said it's important for him to start building a rhythm before the Super 12 starts. "It is true that we have enough quality loosies, but for me, as captain, it's important to be on the field before the tournament kicks off. You want to get into a rhythm and set an example as leader.

"You want to try certain things in a game situation and if it doesn't work I want to speak to the guys about it on the field. It's difficult to do that when you are on the sideline. I'm not going to take a chance, though, and will make sure I'm 100 percent fit and ready before I take the field."