Ton up for Bok, as Stormers change
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson has been forced to make a couple of changes to his team for the big north-south Super Rugby derby.
The Stormers, fresh from their 27-0 shut-out of New Zealand’s Hurricanes, host the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.
The two injury-enforced changes are the result of injuries to hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi and skipper Siyamthanda Kolisi.
Siyabonga Ntubeni is set to play in the front row – between Springboks Frans Malherbe (playing in his 100th game) and new skipper Steven Kitshoff.
Johan du Toit starts in the back row at No.8, alongside his brother Pieter-Steph, in place of the injured Kolisi.
There are four changes among the replacements – with Cobus Wiese, Juarno Agustus and Jean-Luc du Plessis returning from injury, while Chad Solomon set to make his first appearance of the season.
The Stormers look to make it two straight wins at the start of the season, following their 27-0 victory against the Hurricanes.
Stormers coach John Dobson said that his team is determined to build on their performance last week in what should be a typically fierce South African derby.
“We know there are some areas in which we can make a step up and we are expecting a hugely physical challenge on Saturday, so we cannot afford to lose focus,” the coach said.
“The atmosphere at Newlands last week was incredible and we are looking forward to another opportunity to play in front of our supporters in a big derby, we are determined to make the most of what will be another great opportunity.
“This will be the last North-South Vodacom Super Rugby derby at Newlands, so it will be another piece of history for the rugby-mad people of this region,” he said.
Stormers: 15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Johan du Toit, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Jaco Coetzee, 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Juarno Augustus, 22 Godlen Masimla, 23 Jean-Luc du Plessis.
Date: Saturday, February 8
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Egon Seconds (South Africa), Divan Uys (South Africa)
TMO: Joey Klaaste-Salmans (South Africa)
Related articles
Kolisi speaks about his injury
It is a ‘patience’ game at Newlands
Stormers live in a ‘pretty big glass house’
Bulls centre suffers fractured ankle
‘Mean-spirited’ Hurricanes not good for the game
