Groom starts for Stormers
Nic Groom will make his first start of the 2016 Super Rugby season at scrumhalf, with Jano Vermaak sitting out due to a neck injury, and he is joined in the starting line-up by wing Kobus van Wyk who is returning from an ankle injury.
Experienced scrumhalf Louis Schreuder and young speedster Leolin Zas are the two changes to the replacements bench as head coach Robbie Fleck opts for continuity in his forward pack.
Fleck would like to see his team build on the positive signs that they have shown early in the season against what is a tough Brumbies side.
"I have been encouraged by the positive intent our players have shown so far, and this is another great opportunity to test ourselves against a strong team.
"We are developing as a team, and hope to take another step forward in what will be another great battle at Newlands," he said.
Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Juan de Jongh (co-captain), 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Schalk Burger, 7 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 6 Nizaam Carr, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe (co-captain), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Oliver Kebble, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Leolin Zas.
Date: Saturday, March 19
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19.10 (04.10 AEDT; 17.10 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden (South Africa), Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
