CAPE TOWN - Flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis has been named on the bench in Robbie Fleck’s matchday squad to host the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday (kick-off 3.05 pm), while skipper Siya Kolisi will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance.
Du Plessis – who underwent surgery in the United States in December after spending months on the sidelines with what was suspected to be a groin injury – made his return to action two weeks ago with John Dobson’s Western Province side in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.
Kolisi’s milestone won’t be the only one, as replacement hooker Scarra Ntubeni will earn his 50th cap when he comes off the bench against the rivals.
Du Plessis and Springbok tighthead Frans Malherbe are the two new additions on the bench after long-term injuries, and in the backline there are two positional changes, with JJ Engelbrecht moving to outside centre and Dillyn Leyds shifting to wing.
The backline changes see SP Marais come into the run-on side at fullback and Raymond Rhule coming in on the wing.
The match is a must-win for the Stormers to keep their Super Rugby play-off hopes alive, and Fleck said that they are looking to produce a clinical performance against the Bulls.
“It’s always a special occasion when these two teams meet at Newlands and I’m sure this match will be no exception.”
“We are focused on building on the positive aspects of our win against the Rebels last week and ensuring that we are clinical in our execution on Saturday.”
Stormers team:
15 SP Marais, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Chris van Zyl, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18, Frans Malherbe 19, Cobus Wiese 20, Nizaam Carr 21, Paul de Wet 22, Jean-Luc du Plessis 23 Seabelo Senatla.