The Stormers host the Cheetahs in Super Rugby Unlocked with both needing a win to keep their slim title hopes alive.
Stormers vs Cheetahs: preview
After a thumping at the hands of the Bulls the Stormers rebounded last week and beat Griquas in Kimberley by a scoreline that was the reverse of their trouncing at Loftus.
The Cheetahs are coming off a loss to the Sharks which followed the cancellation of their fixture against the Lions.
A bonus point win for either side would move them up to second on the Super Rugby Unlocked standings and within striking distance of leaders, the Bulls.
Team news
Springboks Frans Malherbe and Scarra Ntubeni return to the Stormers’ front row for this encounter.
The front row duo played off the bench in last weekend’s commanding win over Griquas and are amongst the five changes to the starting line-up from Stormers which will also see two Blitzboks on the wing for the home side.
Ruhan Nel replaces the injured Edwill van der Merwe on the right wing, with Angelo Davids will again start on the left. There is also a recall for Springbok halfback, Herschel Jantjies, who sat out last week on compassionate grounds.
Springbok Rugby World Cup-winning centre Frans Steyn will have to pass a late fitness test to determine his readiness for Saturday’s crunch round six match.
Steyn missed last weekend’s match against the Cell C Sharks due to a groin injury and although he is back in the starting line-up a call on his availability will only be made later. He is bracketed at inside centre with Chris Smit.
Stormers vs Cheetahs: Super Rugby Unlocked teams
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Ruhan Nel, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Marcel Theunissen, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain). Replacements (from): 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Neethling Fouche, 20 Chris van Zyl, 21 David Meihuizen, 22 Ben-Jason Dixon, 23 Godlen Masimla, 24 Kade Wolhuter, 25 Michal Hazner, 26 Leolin Zas.
Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 William Small-Smith, 12 Frans Steyn/Chris Smit, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Junior Pokomela (captain), 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Carl Wegner, 4 Ian Groenewald, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais. Replacements: 16 Boan Venter, 17 Marnus van der Merwe, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Ruben de Haas, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 Chris Smit/Howard Mnisi.
Stormers vs Cheetahs: Kick-off time and where to watch
Date: Saturday, 14 November
Time: 19:00
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Egon Seconds
Television Match Official: Joey Klaaste-Salmans
TV: SuperSport Rugby and Grandstand
