CAPE TOWN – The Stormers have named a 28-man matchday squad to face the Bulls in a pre-season clash against the Bulls at Boland Park, Wellington, on Saturday (start 4pm).
Players such as Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Wilco Louw, Jan de Klerk, Dewaldt Duvenage, Justin Phillips, Damian Willemse, EW Viljoen, and Dillyn Leyds have been included in the squad, after missing the recent pre-season clash with SWD Eagles in George.
In the curtain-raiser, the Western Province Invitational will face Boland Elite at 13h50.
Players that were not available for selection due to injury include Ali Vermaak (hamstring), Scarra Ntubeni (hamstring), Frans Malherbe (neck), Eben Etzebeth (shoulder), Pieter-Steph du Toit (back), Siya Kolisi (hamstring), Juarno Augustus (neck), Jano Vermaak (knee), Jean-Luc du Plessis (hip), Dan du Plessis (shoulder) and SP Marais (toe).
Seabelo Senatla and Sikhumbuzo Notshe are away on Springbok Sevens duty and Nizaam Carr is being rested having recently returned from a loan spell with London Wasps.
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said that the players are looking forward to testing themselves against the Bulls before the Super Rugby campaign gets underway.
“The players have worked very hard in the pre-season, so this match will give us a good chance to get some competitive game-time under our belts.
“We want to ensure that our players are up to speed so that we can be at our best at the start of what will be another demanding season,” he said.
The Stormers squad is:
Forwards: Jaco Coetzee, Jan de Klerk, Stephan de Wit, Johan du Toit, JC Janse van Rensberg, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Carlu Sadie, Ramone Samuels, JD Schickerling, Chris van Zyl, Kobus van Dyk, Cobus Wiese.
Backs: Craig Barry, Damian de Allende, Dewaldt Duvenage, Dan Kriel, Eduan Keyter, Dillyn Leyds, Justin Phillips, Sergeal Petersen, Raymond Rhule, Josh Stander, EW Viljoen, George Whitehead, Damian Willemse.