Stormers coach John Dobson included seven Springboks in the starting line-up for their Super Rugby Unlocked encounter with the Lions at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.
Stormers make their Super Rugby Unlocked debut
Following a bye in the opening round, the Stormers will open their Super Rugby Unlocked campaign underway on home turf against the Lions, in a match that kicks off at 19:00 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Dobson has made just two changes to the starting line-up that did duty in the 34-21 victory over the Lions on Super Fan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld at the start of the month.
Fit-again Sergeal Petersen replaces the injured Seabelo Senatla who picked up a knock in the Superfan exhibition, while Springbok Bongi Mbonambi starts at hooker with Scarra Ntubeni among the replacements.
Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi will lead the Stormers.
Star-laden team with a statement to make
Dobson says that his team are eager to get out on the park and impress fans even if there will be none in attendance at Newlands.
“This is our first competitive match since March, so to say that we are looking forward to it would be an understatement,” said Dobson.
“The players and coaches have all worked hard in preparation and we can’t wait to get going.
“We have been able to select a very strong team with some quality players missing out, so the challenge will be to gel as a unit and start our campaign on the front foot,” he added.
SA Rugby notice: Due to strict COVID-19 regulations, no spectators will be allowed inside the stadium on Saturday – that includes general seating and in the suites.
Super Rugby Unlocked- Stormers matchday squad vs Lions
Starting XV: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Michal Haznar, 23 Tim Swiel.
Match information – Stormers vs Lions
Date: Saturday 17 October
Time: 19h00
Venue: DHL Newlands, Cape Town
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Referees: Egon Seconds, Aimee Barrett-Theron
Television Match Official: Joey Klaaste-Salmans
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
