Vermeulen leads against SWD
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New captain Duane Vermeulen will lead a starting Stormers team with four Test players – three Springboks and an Argentine international.
Meanwhile props Steven Kitshoff (back from a long-term injury) and Vincent Koch (a new signing) are the other noteworthy inclusions.
Dillyn Leyds, after making his return from Australia during last year’s Currie Cup competition, will start on the wing – part of an exciting back three with EW Viljoen on the other wing and speedster Cheslin Kolbe lining up at fullback.
“We have trained very well so far, and had a particularly successful trip to Hermanus last week," Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said.
"However, as we all know there is no substitute for actual game time and trying out what you have trained in an actual game situation.
“We have some goals in mind ahead of Saturday’s match, which includes making use of an enlarged bench, so we’re looking forward to getting some answers this week in our first of three pre-season matches.”
Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 EW Viljoen, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Manuel Carizza, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements – from: Bongi Mbonambi, Oliver Kebble, Wilco Louw, Jurie van Vuuren, Neil Rautenbach, Michael Willemse, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones, Jaco Taute, Godlen Masimla, Robert du Preez.
Date: Friday, January 23
Venue: Oteniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 16.30 (14.30 GMT)
Referee: Quinton Immelman
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