Stormers pick rookie flyhalf for visit by the Lions
While there is a good mix of youth and experience in the starting team, a full Springbok front row will look to make an impact from off the bench.
The Stormers have a new flyhalf for the match against the Lions, but there’s plenty of Bok power on the bench. Picture: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
There are a number of changes to the Stormers team for their final preparation game against the Lions at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Several experienced players come into the mix for the encounter with the Johannesburg side, which kicks off at 5.15pm.
Wings Sergeal Petersen and Seabelo Senatla make their return, while in midfield Ruhan Nel is partnered by Dan du Plessis.
There is also an all-new halfback pairing of flyhalf Abner van Reenen and No 9 Herschel Jantjies, with the combination of Kade Wolhuter and Paul de Wet, who impressed last week, on the replacements bench.
Young Evan Roos gets a start at the back of the scrum and he is joined in the loose-trio by openside flank Nama Xaba who returns from injury.
Captain Salmaan Moerat will link up with JD Schickerling in the second row, with Marvin Orie set to make his first Stormers appearance from the replacements bench.
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Up front the combination of Ali Vermaak, Scarra Ntubeni and Neethling Fouché are back in the starting line-up, with Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe poised to make an impact from the replacements bench.
Prop Steven Kitshoff of the Stormers will play off the bench against the Lions on Saturday. Picture: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
Stormers coach Dawie Snyman said that the aim is to keep building as the experienced players are integrated into the team.
“We have got some exciting players coming in this week and the key will be to build on what the rest of the squad have done over the last few weeks.
“It is great to be back at home at Cape Town Stadium and the whole squad is determined to make a big impression in our last preparation match.”
Stormers: Damian Willemse, Sergeal Petersen, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Seabelo Senatla, Abner van Reenen, Herschel Jantjies, Evan Roos, Ernst van Rhyn, Nama Xaba, JD Schickerling, Salmaan Moerat (capt), Neethling Fouché, Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak. Bench (from): Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Marvin Orie, Marcel Theunissen, Paul de Wet, Kade Wolhuter, Lyle Hendricks, Chad Solomon, Cornel Smit.
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