Stormers load up on Sevens strikepower
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Outside backs Sergeal Petersen and Sihle Njezula come into the Stormers starting line-up for the preparation match against Griquas in Kimberley on Tuesday.
Petersen is at fullback in place of the injured Tristan Leyds and Njezula gets an opportunity on the right wing for the preparation match.
There are a number of changes on the replacements bench, with props Kwenzo Blose and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, along with loose forward Evan Roos and flyhalf Chris Schreuder all set to make an impact later in the game.
Stormers coach Rito Hlungwani said that the trip up to Kimberley will be a challenge that the players must embrace.
“Griquas are always highly motivated when they play us and we are looking forward to rising to meet that challenge,” Hlungwani said.
“It has been a good week of preparations and everyone is excited to get to Kimberley and show what we have planned,” he added.
Stormers: 15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Sihle Njezula, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Cornel Smit, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Marcel Theunissen, 5 Chris van Zyl (captain), 4 David Meihuizen, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Alistair Vermaak.
Replacements – from: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Evan Roos, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Chris Schreuder, 23 Edwill van der Merwe, 24 Sazi Sandi, 25 Abner van Reenen.
Date: Tuesday, March 9
Venue: Griquas Stadium, Kimberley
Kick-off: 16.45 (14.45 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Mpho Matsaung
TMO: JJ Wagner