According to a press release from the Stormers’ management, the 26-year-old Dixon, who has impressed in open play this season, "suffered a right-hand side orbital fracture against the Hurricanes at the weekend".

"No displacement is evident and the fracture is stable," read the statement, "he [Dixon] is expected to resume training in a week, but will not partake in any contact exercises."

With Dixon sidelined, Tjoepie van den Heever - despite his poor line-out display after replacing Dixon against the ’Canes - is expected to wear the No.2 jumper against the Waratahs this coming Saturday.

Young Dawid Britz, who transferred to Western Province from the Cheetahs this season, is likely to warm the bench. Britz, the first-choice South African Under-21 hooker last year, is yet to play Super 12 rugby.

The Stormers have hosted two New Zealand sides in recent weeks, the Highlanders and the Hurricanes, with Australian sides, the Waratahs and the Brumbies, next on the agenda. Their final home game is against fellow South Africans, the Bulls, before enjoying a bye on the weekend of April 2-4.

Their first game in Australasia is against the Reds, in Brisbane, on April 10. Next up are the Blues in Auckland (April 16), the Chiefs in Hamilton (April 23), and the Crusaders in Christchurch on May 1.

The Stormers’ final round robin match is against the Sharks, in Durban, on Saturday, May 8.

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