Midfield takes centre stage at Newlands
Springbok De Jongh and Kotze performed well together in last year's Currie Cup, but they are going to have to be at their best against two quality opponents.
"It is a good challenge for me and Johnny [Kotze]," said De Jongh.
"They [Serfontein and Kriel] got a lot of experience between the two of them and they have been playing international rugby together.
"For me it’s just important to work on my combination with Johnny and not worry about them so much."
De Jongh believes the 23-year-old Kotze will have a bright future.
"Johnny is still a youngster and he is going to be around for a really long time.
"I just want to share my experience with him like Jean [de Villiers] and Jacque [Fourie] did with me," De Jongh added.
While De Jongh will be looking to form a strong combination with the man outside him, Stormers' coach Robbie Fleck will also be wanting him to use his experience to help Robert du Preez at flyhalf.
Du Preez will be making his first start at flyhalf for the Stormers in Super Rugby and Fleck believes that playing De Jongh in the No.12 jersey and not at outside centre will help the youngster through the big occasion.
"To have that experience next to a young flyhalf is massively important," said Fleck.
"It's Rob's first time starting at flyhalf in Super Rugby so this is his first big step up in a tough competition.
"Right now we need experience in that No.12 position and Juan is the most experienced back in our group. Damian [de Allende] is not there – Juan has that experience and confidence and it also brings him closer to the pack to be making the calls.
"He just brings a solidness to that No.12 position. Not to say that he is going to stay there the whole season, but for right now and for this game we need him at No.12.
"To have the experience of Juan at No.12 and Jano Vermaak at scrumhalf is a massive help to Robert. We all know how crucial that No.10 position is and If you got cool calm heads and experienced heads around him, hopefully it will make his job a little bit easier."
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
