DHL Stormers name 28 for George

New captain Duane Vermeulen will lead a starting XV with four Test players – three Springboks and an Argentine international – whilst props Steven Kitshoff (back from a long-term injury) and Vincent Koch (a new signing) are the other noteworthy inclusions.

Dillyn Leyds, after making his return from Australia during last year’s Absa Currie Cup competition, will start on the left-wing – part of an exciting back three with EW Viljoen on the right-wing and speedster Cheslin Kolbe lining up at fullback.

DHL Stormers coach Allister Coetzee told the www.iamastormer.com website: “We have trained very well so far, and had a particularly successful trip to Hermanus last week. However, as we all know there is no substitute for actual game time and trying out what you have trained in an actual game situation.

“We have some goals in mind ahead of Saturday’s match, which includes making use of an enlarged bench, so we’re looking forward to getting some answers this week in our first of three pre-season matches.”

* The DHL Stormers will arrive in George on Friday. The entire playing squad will meet fans and sign autographs after Saturday’s match at Outeniqua Park.

The DHL Stormers team to face the SWD Eagles is as follows:

15. Cheslin Kolbe
14. EW Viljoen
13. Juan de Jongh (vice-captain)
12. Damian de Allende
11. Dillyn Leyds
10. Kurt Coleman
9. Nic Groom
8. Duane Vermeulen (captain)
7. Michael Rhodes
6. Rynhardt Elstadt
5. Manuel Carizza
4. Gerbrandt Grobler
3. Vincent Koch
2. Scarra Ntubeni
1. Steven Kitshoff

Replacements:
16. Bongi Mbonambi
17. Oliver Kebble
18. Wilco Louw
19. Jurie van Vuuren
20. Neil Rautenbach
21. Michael Willemse
22. Sikhumbuzo Notshe
23. Louis Schreuder
24. Demetri Catrakilis
25. Huw Jones
26. Jaco Taute
27. Godlen Masimla
28. Robert du Preez

Referee: Quinton Immelman