Super Rugby leaders the Stormers will be without captain and flanker Schalk Burger for a four-week Australasia tour.
The Springbok has not played since injuring his knee in the opening round of the southern hemisphere provincial championship in February and coach Allister Coetzee said on Monday it would be a risk to recall him.
The Stormers face the Highlanders on Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash followed by seven-time champions Crusaders, defending champions Queensland and Western Force.
“It is a hell of a tough tour but we are looking forward to the challenge,” said Coetzee. “We are very happy with five wins from five matches and top spot on the table.”
Centre Jean de Villiers will continue to deputise for Burger as captain of the Cape Town franchise, who lost in the semi-finals to the Crusaders last year after finishing runners-up behind the Bulls the previous season.