Habana starts at 13

“Whilst Juan and Jean remain our number one combination, I have no doubt that Bryan can provide adequate cover this season.” said coach Allister Coetzee. “He started his career there for the Lions, has played at international level there before and came through our test against the Lions a fortnight ago.”

Commenting on his centre partner, this week’s captain Jean De Villiers said, “Bryan is a great decision maker. He is very quick, solid on defence great on attack. He has great feel for the game.”

Coetzee has selected his best available team to take on the Kings in PE this week, bar Duvenage (not yet 100% ready from injury), Grant (still in Japan) and Burger (being rested).

The team to play is:

Steven Kitshoff
Tiaan Liebenberg
Brok Harris
Rynhardt Elstadt
Andries Bekker
Siya Kolisi
Duane Vermeulen
Nick Koster
Louis Schreuder
Gary van Aswegen
Gio Aplon
Jean de Villiers ( C )
Bryan Habana
Gerhard van den Heever
Joe Pietersen

RESERVES

16. Deon Fourie
17. Deon Carstens
18. Siyabonga Ntubeni
19. Frans Malherbe
20. Eben Etzebeth
21. De Kock Steenkamp
22. Nizaam Carr
23. Nic Groom
24. Burton Francis
25. Marcel Brache
26. Danie Poolman

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

Southern Kings vs. DHL Stormers
Saturday 11 February 2012
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Kick-Off: 17h00