CAPE TOWN – Craig Barry is set to make his Stormers debut if he comes off the bench against the Blues on Saturday (kick-off 3.05pm).
The 25-year-old, who recently returned to the Cape after his time on loan to the Cheetahs, is one of a number of changes to a flu-hit Stormers side.
Coach Robbie Fleck said that a number of players and management have been struck down with flu, and confirmed that the condition in the camp could result in a number of late changes to the matchday squad if those affected aren't recovered by the weekend.
In the backline, Springbok Dillyn Leyds will start at fullback in place of the injured SP Marais, while JJ Engelbrecht will start on the wing, with Barry providing cover on the bench.
There's only one change up front, with Pieter-Steph du Toit coming in at blindside flank and a fit-again Cobus Wiese on the bench.
Fleck said that his team cannot wait to play in front of the Newlands faithful on Saturday.
“It is great to be back home and despite some difficulties this week with illness, the players are determined to put up a big performance,” he said. “We always look forward to playing at Newlands and the match against the Blues promises to be another memorable one.”
The Stormers team to play the Blues:
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 JJ Engelbrecht, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Jan de Klerk, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: 16 Dean Muir, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Cobus Wiese, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Justin Phillips, 23 Craig Barry (Stormers debut).
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