DHL Stormers shuffle backline

DHL Stormers Head Coach Robbie Fleck has made some key changes to the backline to face the Cell C Sharks at Growthpoint Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

There is a new halfback pairing as scrumhalf Jano Vermaak links up with fit-again flyhalf Kurt Coleman who starts his first match this season.

This means that Dillyn Leyds is back on the left wing, with Seabelo Senatla on the replacements bench alongside Juan de Jongh, who makes his return from injury having played for DHL Western Province in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge last week.

In the midfield experienced centre Damian de Allende starts at inside centre after making an impact as a replacement last week.

The forward pack which started the 30-22 victory against the Blues at DHL Newlands has been retained, with lock Pieter-Steph du Toit set to earn his 50th Vodacom Super Rugby cap.

The only change up front comes on the replacements bench as Chris van Zyl provides lock cover this week.

Fleck said that after playing four New Zealand teams in a row his side is expecting a typically tough South African derby against the Cell C Sharks in Durban.

“It is always tough going to Kings Park and we know that we will be seriously tested over there, but our focus is on developing our own game.

“The team would like to build on our win against the Blues, so our focus this week has been on backing up on that performance,” he said.

DHL Stormers: 15 SP Marais, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Siya Kolisi (captain), 6 Kobus van Dyk, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit (50th Vodacom Super Rugby cap), 4 Eben Etzebeth (vice-captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Dewaldt Duvenage, 22 Juan de Jongh, 23 Seabelo Senatla.