Cape Town - The Stormers were dealt a big blow ahead of their Super Rugby match against the Reds when co-captain Juan de Jongh was ruled out of the clash with a concussion.
De Jongh who has played in every match for the Cape franchise this year, will be replaced by Springbok centre Damian de Allende, who only recently returned to the squad from an ankle injury.
De Allende will partner Johnny Kotze in the midfield for Saturday’s match, while the rest of the backline is expected to stay the same following last week’s defeat against the Lions at Ellis Park.
Tighthead prop Frans Malherbe is expected to come back and captain the Stormers side after coming off the bench against the Lions. Loosehead prop Oli Kebble should also come in for JC Janse van Rensburg in terms of their rotation policy.
In the loose trio, Siya Kolisi comes back into the side in the No 7 jersey, while Sikhumbuzo Notshe moves to openside flank and Nizaam Carr to No 8. Schalk Burger will play off the bench.
Possible Stormers team to face Reds:
15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Frans Malherbe (co-captain), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble
Cape Argus