Gelant returns for Stormers as Willemse takes centre stage

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has revealed his team for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round Four clash against Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

There are four changes to the starting line-up for the clash with the Italian outfit.

Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant will make his first appearance of the season.

With Gelant at fullback, Damian Willemse shifts to inside centre to join captain Ruhan Nel in midfield.

In the forward pack, Adré Smith joins Ruben van Heerden in the second row, while up front, young tighthead Zachary Porthen is set to make his first start for the Stormers.

Prop Hencus van Wyk is set to make his Stormers debut from a replacements bench that also features the likes of loose forward Ruan Ackermann and utility back Wandisile Simelane.

Dobson said that the focus this week has been to continue to build on the positive start his team have made to the season.

“It was fantastic to get a win in our first game on tour last week, but there is no doubt that there are several areas that we can improve on as we take on a very competitive Zebre side this weekend.

“Having a player like Warrick back in the mix is a boost for us and the other players coming in are also keen to make an impression, so hopefully that will work in our favour,” he said.

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Date: Saturday, October 18
Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
Kick-off: 20.45 (20.45 SAST; 18.45 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Filippo Russo (Italy), Lorenzo Pedezzi (Italy
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)