De Allende and Elstadt back for DHL Stormers

Damian de Allende and Rynhardt Elstadt are both set to make their first appearances for the DHL Stormers this season after being named in the match-day squad for the clash with the Sunwolves at DHl Newlands on Friday.

Both players will take their place on the replacements bench for the DHL Stormers’ historic first-ever match against the Vodacom Super Rugby newcomers from Japan after recovering from pre-season injuries.

There are two changes to the backline that started the DHL Stormers 13-8 victory over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, with halfbacks Nic Groom and Kurt Coleman both sidelined through injury.

Scrumhalf Louis Schreuder will partner flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis, who makes his DHL Stormers starting debut, whilst Godlen Masimla will provide cover from the replacements bench.

In the front row a rotational switch sees props Oli Kebble and Vincent Koch come back into the starting line-up, with JC Janse van Rensburg and Frans Malherbe taking their place amongst the replacements.

Pieter-Steph du Toit returns at lock after being rested against the Jaguares, whilst JD Schickerling will join him in the second row following an injury to Eben Etzebeth during the week.

The final change sees Schalk Burger come back into the starting line-up at No.8, with Nizaam Carr starting as a replacement for the first time this season.

DHL Stormers Head Coach Robbie Fleck said that following a well-deserved bye week his team is determined to continue their winning momentum.

“The bye was definitely welcome after five hard games to start the season, and the challenge now is to build on what we have achieved thus far.

“It is great to be back at DHL Newlands, and hopefully we will be able to make the most of the home support,” he said.

DHL Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Juan de Jongh (co-captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Schalk Burger, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Oli Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Frans Malherbe (co-captain), 19 Rynhardt Elstadt, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Huw Jones, 23 Damian de Allende.