New lock combination for Vodacom Stormers

Kobus Van Der Merwe, head coach of the Vodacom Stormers, on Tuesday announced his team. Kick-off is at 09h35 (SA time).

On the changes to the starting XV, Van Der Merwe said, “We have decided to rest Andries Bekker and Gerrie Britz as they have played all games to date.

“They are on the bench but we are hopeful that Ross Skeate and Francois van der Merwe can play for most of the match.

“Ross has had some game time to date and has looked sharp while Francois needs to get some action and is keen to get involved.”

Wing Corne Uys was not considered due to injury and Dylan des Fountain will take his place.

Van der Merwe commented: “Corne Uys has an injured pectoral muscle that needs treatment and rules him out. We have adequate cover in Dylan Des Fountain, who did well when he came on against the Waratahs”.

With regards to the return of the All Blacks to the Crusaders side, Van Der Merwe commented: “We are not concerning ourselves too much with what the Crusaders will do with their returning All Blacks.

“We are focusing on what it will take to beat them regardless of who is playing. We beat them last year and it would be nice to end the tour on a high note.”

The Vodacom Stormers team is as follows: 15 Brent Russell
14 Breyton Paulse
13 Jean de Villiers
12 De Wet Barry
11 Dylan Des Fountain
10 Peter Grant
9 Bolla Conradie
8 Justin Melck
7 Schalk Burger
6 Luke Watson (C)
5 Francois Van Der Merwe
4 Ross Skeate
3 Brok Harris
2 Schalk Brits
1 JD Moller

Reserves:

16 Huia Edmonds
17 Schalk Ferreira
18 Gerrie Britz
19 Andries Bekker
20 JP Joubert
21 Naas Olivier
22 Gio Aplon