Zas gets first Stormers start
Leolin Zas will make his starting debut for the Stormers in place of Kobus van Wyk, who is sidelined with a minor ankle injury, with Huw Jones taking his place amongst the replacements.
The quicksilver 20-year-old wing earned his first Stormers cap when he came off the bench in the 33-9 opening round win against the Bulls at Newlands last week.
Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck would like to see his side build on their opening performance when they face a dangerous Cheetahs side on Saturday.
"It was encouraging that we finished so strong against the Bulls, but there are still plenty of areas in which we can improve, so we want to take another step forward in Bloemfontein.
"The impact that our replacements made was considerable, and it is great to be in a position where there is such fierce competition for starting places," he said.
Fleck added that Zas deserves this opportunity after a highly impressive pre-season.
"There is no doubt that he [Zas] has incredible potential, and we would like to back talented young players as much as possible," he said.
Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Juan de Jongh (co-captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Oliver Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Frans Malherbe (co-captain), 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 21 Nic Groom, 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Huw Jones.
Date: Saturday, March 5
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Rodney Bonaparte (South Africa), AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)
