DHL Stormers to take on the Crusaders announced

There are 3 changes to the match 22 that beat the Highlanders 21 – 6 this past weekend. Brok Harris moves back into the starting XV, with Frans Malherbe moving to the bench; Gerhard van den Heever gets a start in the number 14 jersey, with Gio Aplon or JP du Plessis taking his place on the bench and Nizaam Carr replaces Nick Koster in jersey 19, who sits out the game after sustaining a blow to the head v the Highlanders. Aplon will be given until Friday to prove his fitness after sustaining a lower back strain. Brok Harris, who was rotated last week, gets another start, with Malherbe set to continue to make an impact in the second half off the bench.

The Crusaders are 7 times champs, are back home and would like to make amends for their narrow defeat to the Bulls in SA. Who better to do that against than the log leading DHL Stormers?

Aware of the challenge the coach confirmed he had again gone for his best available selections for this specific game. “We know it is going to be a massive challenge. They are a quality side with a huge amount of experience. They are not just physical but technically sound in every department. We have learnt a lot from our losses last year to them, but will certainly need to up the ante if we are to maintain our unbeaten run. Accuracy and execution are going to be key. It’s another great opportunity for this team to test themselves against a quality outfit.”

YOUR DHL STORMERS TEAM TO PLAY IS:

15. Joe Pietersen

14. Gerhard van den Heever

13. Juan de Jongh

12. Jean De Villiers (C)

11. Bryan Habana

10. Peter Grant

9. Dewaldt Duvenage

8. Duane Vermeulen

7. Rynhardt Elstadt

6. Siya Kolisi

5. Andries Bekker (VC)

4. Eben Etzebeth

3. Brok Harris

2. Tiaan Liebenberg

1. Steven Kitshoff

RESERVES:

16. Deon Fourie

17. Frans Malherbe

18. De Kock Steenkamp

19. Nizaam Carr

20. Louis Schreuder

21. Burton Francis

22. Gio Aplon / JP du Plessis

Referee: – Chris Pollock

Kick-Off: 09h35 (SA TIME)