Elstadt storming back for derby
The return of Rynhardt Elstadt from suspension is one of several changes to the Stormers team for their Super Rugby derby with the Cheetahs.
Elstadt returns after serving his one-match ban for collecting too many yellow cards this season and takes over at blindside flank from rookie Don Armand, who drops down to the bench.
Star loose forward Siya Kolisi moves from No.8 to openside flank, with Canadian import Jebb Sinclair starting at No 8.
Sinclair has been named to start, despite not being able to train as a result of a calf injury. However, Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is confident that the Canuck will be fit to face the Cheetahs.
In another change to the pack, SA Under-20 star Steven Kitshoff, who was rested against the Lions last week, starts at loosehead prop. Veteran Springbok Deon Carstens drops down to the bench.
Eben Etzebeth, for the second week, is not considered with an ankle injury and Brok Harris also misses out this week after he fractured his nose against the Lions.
The backline also shows several changes – Joe Pietersen returns at fullback, Bryan Habana comes in on the left wing and Gio Aplon will start on the other wing. Pietersen and Habana were both withdrawn with flu last week.
In further changes out side, Danie Poolman falls out of the matchday 22 with a hamstring injury, whilst Gerhard van den Heever provides cover from the bench. Marcel Brache, who played off the bench last week, also drops out of the matchday 22.
Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Jebb Sinclair, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Tiaan Liebenberg, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Quinn Roux, 19 Don Armand, 20 Louis Schrueder, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Gerhard van den Heever.
Date: Saturday, July 7
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Sindile Mayende (South Africa), Reuben Rossouw (South Africa),
TMO: Gerrie Coetzee (South Africa)
