Mbonambi starts as two Boks return
The Stormers have been boosted by the return of two Springboks – one in the starting XV and another on the bench.
At the same time Bulls import Bongi Mbonambi will get his first start for the Stormers, when they take on the struggling Lions team in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Siyabonga Ntubeni drops down to the replacement bench.
Springbok loose forward Nizaam Carr, who has been playing off the bench in the opening two weeks of the competition, have been named in the Stormers starting XV, replacing the injured Rynhardt Elstadt in the No.6 jersey.
Elstadt suffered a serious leg injury against the Blues last week and will be out of action for at least four months.
Another boost comes in the form of Bok tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, who has been named on the bench – following his recovery from a long-term leg injury.
Fit-again Argentine lock Manuel Carizza is also back in the selection mix, after nursing a shoulder injury.
Carizza has not featured this year, after picking up an injury in pre-season action last month, whilst Malherbe suffered his ankle injury on Bok duty in August last year.
The Stormers have made a strong start to the 2015 Super Rugby season, winning both their matches thus far – away to the Bulls and at home to the Blues.
However, head coach Allister Coetzee is not expecting any favours from the Lions, who will be looking to register their first win of 2015.
"It's our second challenge [early in the competition] at altitude and we're expecting a very tough encounter against a desperate Lions team who are back at home again," Coetzee said.
"From our side we are looking for continuous improvement in our play.
"Yes, we have won two matches but we are not fully satisfied and know that we can get better – and must get better – if we are to build on our start.
"We need to front up and need all of our key men to be at their best for what will be a very challenging match."
Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Johnny Kotze, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Nizaam Carr, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jurie van Vuuren, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Oliver Kebble, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Manuel Carizza, 20 Siya Kolisi, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Huw Jones.
Date: Saturday, February 28
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)
Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
