Russel and Uys withdraw from Crusaders clash

Russell, who was to have started the match, withdrew after injuring his hamstring during training earlier in the week. His place is taken by Gio Aplon, who is promoted from the bench.

Uys, who injured his pectoral muscle against the Waratahs last week, had been penciled in on the bench this week pending a fitness test on Friday. Unfortunately he had not recovered sufficiently and was withdrawn. Forward Robbie Diack has been brought onto the bench as a fifth forward. The two reserve backs are JP Joubert and Naas Olivier.

Meanwhile, flyhalf Peter Grant has fully recovered from his groin strain and completed a full kicking practice following Friday’s captains run at the match venue.

The Vodacom Stormers team:

15 Gio Aplon
14 Breyton Paulse
13 Jean de Villiers
12 De Wet Barry
11 Dylan Des Fountain
10 Peter Grant
9 Bolla Conradie
8 Justin Melck
7 Schalk Burger
6 Luke Watson (C)
5 Ross Skeate
4 Francois vd Merwe
3 Brok Harris
2 Schalk Brits
1 JD Moller

Reserves:

16 Huia Edmonds
17 Schalk Ferreira
18 Andries Bekker
19 Gerrie Britz
20 Robbie Diack
21 JP Joubert
22 Naas Olivier