Get Newsletter

Stormers bring out the A-Team

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee did not hesitate to bring out the big guns for his team's preliminary Super Rugby play-off encounter with the Brumbies at Newlands on Saturday.

Juan de Jongh, one of 14 players who return after being rested against the Sharks last week, will captain the team.

The only player retaining his place is No.8 Nizaam Carr, who captained the side last week.

De Jongh has been leading the Stormers since the loss of squad captain Duane Vermeulen.

He will combine with regular midfield partner Damian de Allende.

Nic Groom (No.9) and Demetri Catrakilis (No.10) are back as the halfback combination.

The dangerous back three of Cheslin Kolbe, Dillyn Leyds and Seabelo Senatla have also been restored to the starting XV.

Stormers bring out the A-TeamCarr will form a formidable loose forward combination with flanks Siya Kolisi and Schalk Burger.

Manuel Carizza and Eben Etzebeth are restored as the locks, while the front row consists of Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi and Steven Kitshoff.

Hooker Siyabonga Ntubeni (calf muscle) has passed a fitness test and will play off a bench that also includes props Alister Vermaak and Vincent Koch, lock Jean Kleyn and loose forward Michael Rhodes.

Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman and Jaco Taute are the backline replacements.

"Knockout matches are different to league matches," Coetzee said.

"You only get one shot at it, you have to be on your game and you have to ensure you dominate physically from the outset.

"To ask players to be physical in the quarters is to express an understatement.

"The Brumbies are a tough team, a physical team, and will rely on their well-drilled consistent set-piece.

"We know they have got line speed and we know they attack the breakdown. We are certainly bracing ourselves for a physical battle."

Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Juan de Jongh (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Alister Vermaak, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 Michael Rhodes, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Jaco Taute.

Date: Saturday, June 20

Venue: Newlands, Cape town

Kick-off: 17.05 (01.05 Sunday, June 21 AEST; 15.05 GMT)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Jason Jaftha (South Africa)

TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 32 | How To Win Europe

Round 12 Highlights | PWR 2024/25

Bristol Bears vs Gloucester-Hartpury | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kobelco Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match

Edinburgh vs Brython | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

Write A Comment