De Jongh to start for Stormers

INLSA

Springbok centre Juan de Jongh will start at outside centre for the Stormers in their Vodacom Super Rugby match against the unbeaten Brumbies in Cape Town. Photo: Matthew Jordaan

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Johanensburg - Springbok centre Juan de Jongh will start at outside centre for the Stormers in their Vodacom Super Rugby match against the unbeaten Brumbies in Cape Town on Saturday.

De Jongh plays in his first competitive match of the 2013 season, after picking up a hamstring injury during a pre-season fixture against the Cheetahs last month.

His return will see captain Jean de Villiers shift to inside centre, while Damian de Allende moves to the bench.

In other changes to the Stormers backline, Gerhard van den Heever earns his first start, as a replacement for the injured Bryan Habana, while Dewaldt Duvenage takes over at scrumhalf from Nic Groom, who reverts to the bench.

There is only one change to the Stormers pack, with Springbok Tiaan Liebenberg, who made his comeback from the bench against the Chiefs, taking over at hooker, and Deon Fourie starting among the replacements.

“The Brumbies are the pace-setters in the 2013 Super Rugby tournament. It will be a tough game against a quality side,” said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee after naming his team on Wednesday.

“Their set-piece is good, they put the opposition under pressure with ball in hand and it will be a good challenge for our defensive system and defence line.

“Technically, the Brumbies have been good, as they showed against the Sharks, but people tend to be overlooking the fact that this Brumbies side is a physical unit too.”

Stormers team: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (captain), Gerhard van den Heever, Elton Jantjies, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Frans Malherbe, Tiaan Liebenberg, Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: Deon Fourie, Pat Cilliers, Don Armand, Nizaam Carr, Nic Groom, Damian de Allende, Jaco Taute.

Sapa