Investec Stormers make changes

Kick-off is at 17h00. The match marks the 50th Stormers cap for captain De Wet Barry.

With Werner Greeff ruled out due to concussion, Smal has opted for Gaffie du Toit at fullback.

The rest of the backline stays intact from the one that did duty against the Reds last Saturday.

The forward pack, however, has seen a number of changes. There is still concern about the heel injury of Schalk Burger, sustained against the Reds.

Burger was bracketed with Pietie Ferreira at No 8 in place of the injured Adri Badenhorst. Ferreira joined the Stormers from the Lions on Tuesday.

“We’ll use Schalk if he is ready, but we won’t risk him,” said Smal. “Pietie knows the system and will fit in easily. He also has Super 12 experience and leadership qualities.

“Sometimes in tight games experience pulls you through,” the coach said.

Lock Gerrie Britz moves to the flank in place of Burger. Andries Bekker and Rob Linde form the new lock combination in place of Britz and the injured Quinton Davids.

Investec Stormers:

15. Gaffie Du Toit
14. Breyton Paulse
13. Marius Joubert
12. De Wet Barry (captain)
11. Jean De Villiers
10. Chris Rossouw
9. Bolla Conradie
8. Schalk Burger / Pietie Ferreira
7. Gerrie Britz
6. Luke Watson
5. Andries Bekker
4. Rob Linde
3. Faan Rautenbach
2. Pieter Dixon
1. Eddie Andrews

Reserves

16. Lukas Van Biljon
17. Riaan Olckers
18. Ross Skeate
19. David Hendriks
20. Neil De Kock
21. Gus Theron
22. Tonderai Chavhanga

Referee: George Ayoub

17h00 INVESTEC STORMERS VS CRUSADERS

14h30 INVESTEC WP VS EAGLES

13h30 GATES OPEN.