Stormers rush Etzebeth, Burger back
Eben Etzebeth and Schalk Burger have both been named in the Stormers' matchday squad for Saturday's all-South African Super Rugby clash against the Sharks at Newlands.
Etzebeth picked up a chest injury during pre-season action in late January and will make his first competitive appearance for the Stormers since July 2013.
Burger, named on the bench, is back in the selection mix after returning from his club commitments in Japan.
Powerhouse lock Etzebeth comes in for the injured Jurie van Vuuren (shoulder) in the No.4 jersey, whilst Argentine international Manuel Carizza moves up from the bench to replace Ruan Botha (minor concussion) in the No.5 shirt.
In other changes to the starting XV, Siya Kolisi comes in at No.7 for his first start of 2015 in place of the hard-working Mike Rhodes, who suffered a bang to the knee during last week's dramatic 22-19 away win over the Lions.
starts at hooker in place of Bongi Mbonambi, an 11th hour withdrawal after sustaining a shoulder injury at training.
Burger thus moves onto the bench following Kolisi's promotion to the starting XV, with the former joined amongst the replacements by Alistair Vermaak (in for Oliver Kebble) and a fit-again Jean Kleyn, the new lock replacement following Carizza's elevation to the No.5 jersey, and uncapped hooker Neil Rautenbach (in place of Ntubeni).
Whilst the loss – to injury – of Rhodes, Botha and Van Vuuren are disappointing in such a big week, coach Allister Coetzee lauded the return of Springboks Etzebeth and Burger.
"It's always good to bring back players like Eben and Schalk who understand the culture of the Stormers and who boast big-game experience," said the Stormers boss.
"They are short on recent game time for us, but their presence is a big boost for us – especially in light of the injuries to Mike, Ruan and Jurie."
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 Siya Kolisi, 6 Nizaam Carr, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Alistair Vermaak, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Jean Kleyn, 20 Schalk Burger, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Huw Jones.
Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)
TMO: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
