Stormers XXIII get flyhalf boost for Cheetahs showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCMENT: Flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis returns from injury to lead the Stormers XXIII in their Currie Cup encounter with the Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.
The inclusion of the experienced playmaker is the only change to the starting backline for the clash with the Free State side.
There are three changes to the forward pack, with Mhleli Khuzwayo starting at loosehead prop and Xola Nyali and Divan Fuller in the loose trio in the absence of Wandile Mlaba and Keke Morabe, who will both feature for the Stormers on Friday.
Stormers head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb said that his team is focused on making it three wins from three on home turf this season.
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“The support we got last week was phenomenal, and we know that the atmosphere at Athlone Stadium is going to be unreal once again.
“We have kept as much continuity in selection as possible, and hopefully we can see another step-up in the performance on Sunday,” he said.
Stormers XXIII: 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Josh Boulle, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis (captain), 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Divan Fuller, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.
Replacements: 16 Altus Rabe, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Luan Botha, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Kyle Smith, 23 Gino Cupido.
Date: Sunday, August 9
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
