Stormers add a Bok to the bench

 

Having opened their campaign with a clinical 29-17 win over the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend, Stormers head coach Allister Coetzee has wisely kept the changes to a minimum.

 

In an enforced change, however, No.4 lock Jean Kleyn misses out with a calf muscle injury, handing a start to fellow young gun Jurie van Vuuren – after the latter came off the bench at Loftus Versfeld.

 

In a further change to the 23-man squad that played away last Saturday, fit-again Springbok loose forward Kolisi comes in for Van Vuuren in the No.19 shirt – meaning Michael Rhodes and Rynhardt Elstadt will cover at lock whilst giving the hosts two explosive back row options from the bench in the process.

 

“Frans Malherbe and Kobus van Wyk are not quite there yet [in terms of fitness], but, that said, it’s great to be able to reward our players [with selection] after last week’s performance,” coach Allister Coetzee said.

 

“Losing Jean is a blow, in terms of continuity, but we didn’t want to risk him – after all it’s a long season.”

 

Saturday will see skipper Duane Vermeulen play his 100th Super Rugby match (80th for the Stormers since 2009, along with 20 matches for the Cheetahs between 2007 & 2008) in a Stormers starting XV that boasts a total of 402 Super Rugby caps between, with 256 caps amongst the forwards and 146 in the backline.

 

“Our youngsters put their hands up last week and I expect the same from them again this Saturday, at home at Newlands where we have a very good and proud record.

 

"It’s important that the players understand the need to back up last week’s performance against a very experienced Blues team.

 

“Someone like Tony Woodcock has played almost 150 Super Rugby games and over 100 Test matches, whereas our tight five, combined, does not boast even 90 Super Rugby appearances.

 

“We’re expecting a massive onslaught from the Blues on Saturday, but it’s great to be back at home and we look forward to being in front of our home fans at Newlands,” added Coetzee.

 

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 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Jurie van Vuuren, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Siya Kolisi, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Huw Jones.

 

Date: Saturday, February 21

Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT; 04.05 Sunday NZDT)

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)