Returning players boost DHL Stormers
Pieter-Steph du Toit and SP Marais both return from injury for the DHL Stormers’ encounter with the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
Lock Du Toit (back) and fullback Marais (toe) both missed the DHL Stormers’ opening 28-20 victory against the Jaguares at DHL Newlands last week, but have been included in a starting-line-up which features four changes in total for the clash at the Allianz Stadium this weekend.
In the forward pack Du Toit comes into the second row alongside JD Schickerling, with Kobus van Dyk starting on the flank and Chris van Zyl and Sikhumbuzo Notshe among the replacements.
In the backline Marais starts at fullback, with Dillyn Leyds shifted to the wing and JJ Engelbrecht at outside centre. EW Viljoen is set to provide impact from the replacements bench, with Seabelo Senatla being rested due to a heavy pre-season workload.
DHL Stormers Head Coach Robbie Fleck said that his team is determined to carry the momentum they gained last week into their first game on tour.
“It has been a good week for us in Sydney and the players are focused on making a positive start to the tour.
“We know there are several areas in which we can improve, so we will be giving it everything on Saturday,” he said.
DHL Stormers: 15 SP Marais, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Dean Muir, 17 JC Janse ven Rensburg, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 George Whitehead, 23 EW Viljoen.
