Marais and Elstadt return for DHL Stormers

Fullback SP Marais and flank Rynhardt Elstadt return for the DHL Stormers’ Vodacom Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Chiefs at DHL Newlands on Saturday.

The experienced duo return from injury in the only two changes to the DHL Stormers’ starting line-up for the play-off match, which kicks off at 17h00 on Saturday.

In the only change to the backline Marais returns from a knee injury and starts at fullback, with Dillyn Leyds moving to the wing and Seabelo Senatla set to provide impact off the replacements bench.

Elstadt was a late withdrawal last week due to a wrist injury, but is fit to take his place on the side of the scrum for the quarterfinal, with Sikhumbuzo Notshe among the replacements.

There are just two other changes to the matchday squad, with fit-again props Oli Kebble and Wilco Louw both included on the replacements bench.

DHL Stormers Head Coach Robbie Fleck said that his team is looking forward to playing in front of the DHL Newlands Faithful.

“The players and management have put in a lot of hard work and in preparation for this game.

“It was a cracker of a game when we played the Chiefs at DHL Newlands earlier in the season and we are looking forward to another one,” he said.

Season tickets are valid for the Vodacom Super Rugby quarterfinal at DHL Newlands on Saturday. Tickets are available from wprugby.computicket.com.

DHL Stormers: 15 SP Marais, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth (vice-captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Seabelo Senatla, 23 Juan de Jongh.