Stormers bring in a few Boks for Bulls
The likes of Steven Kitshoff, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Wilco Louw and Dillyn Leyds have been included in the 28-man Stormers squad, after missing the previous pre-season clash with South Western Districts Eagles in George.
Other players set to get a first opportunity in the Stormers jersey this year include Damian Willemse, EW Viljoen, Jan de Klerk, Dewaldt Duvenage and Justin Phillips.
Players that were not available for selection due to injury include Alistair Vermaak (hamstring), Siyabonga Ntubeni (hamstring), Frans Malherbe (neck), Eben Etzebeth (shoulder), Pieter-Steph du Toit (back), Siyamthanda Kolisi (hamstring), Juarno Augustus (neck), Jano Vermaak (knee), Jean-Luc du Plessis (hip), Daniel du Plessis (shoulder) and Sarel Marais (toe).
Seabelo Senatla and Sikhumbuzo Notshe are away on Springbok Sevens duty and Nizaam Carr is being rested having recently returned from a loan spell with Wasps.
Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck said that the players are looking forward to testing themselves against the Bulls before the campaign gets underway.
"The players have worked very hard in the pre-season, so this match will give us a good chance to get some competitive game-time under our belts.
"We want to ensure that our players are up to speed, so that we can be at our best at the start of what will be another demanding season," he said.
Stormers squad:
Forwards: Jaco Coetzee, Jan de Klerk, Stephan de Wit, Johan du Toit, Jacobus Janse van Rensberg, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Carlu Sadie, Ramone Samuels, John Schickerling, Chris van Zyl, Kobus van Dyk, Cobus Wiese.
Backs: Craig Barry, Damian de Allende, Dewaldt Duvenage, Dan Kriel, Eduan Keyter, Dillyn Leyds, Justin Phillips, Sergeal Petersen, Raymond Rhule, Josh Stander, EW Viljoen, George Whitehead, Damian Willemse.
Date: Saturday, February 3
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 16.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Egon Seconds
