CAPE TOWN, March 10 (ANA) – Lock Eben Etzebeth will captain the DHL Stormers for the first time in their Super Rugby clash with the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Etzebeth will lead the side at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the absence of regular captain Siya Kolisi who is being rested for this match.
There are two changes in the frontrow, with props Oli Kebble and Frans Malherbe making their first starts of the season on either side of hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
Kolisi’s place at flank is taken by Sikhumbuzo Notshe, with Nizaam Carr back in the starting line-up at No 8.
In the backline, Dewaldt Duvenage will form a halfback partnership with Robert du Preez, with Jano Vermaak and Jean-Luc du Plessis ruled out through injury.
Centre Dan du Plessis will make his first appearance of the season in place of the injured Dan Kriel, while out wide Cheslin Kolbe’s ankle injury means that Bjorn Basson will make his Stormers debut.
There are also three potential Super Rugby debutants on the replacements bench, with loose forward Jaco Coetzee, scrumhalf Justin Phillips and utility back Damian Willemse all in line to earn their first Stormers cap.
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said that his team is focused on building on the two victories that they have earned this season.
“This will be our first away game of the campaign after two good wins at Newlands and we would like to see further improvements in our game this weekend.
“We always get great support in Port Elizabeth, so we are looking forward to the challenge on Saturday,” he said.
Stormers: 15 SP Marais, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Bjorn Basson (DHL Stormers debut), 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth (capt), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Chris Van Zyl, 20 Jaco Coetzee (Vodacom Super Rugby debut), 21 Justin Phillips (Vodacom Super Rugby debut), 22 Kurt Coleman, 23 Damian Willemse (Vodacom Super Rugby debut). – African News Agency (ANA)
