Three changes for Vodacom Stormers

The coach made three changes to the team that started in the defeat to the Chiefs at Newlands last Saturday.

Fullback Conrad Jantjes broke his leg and utility back Joe Pietersen takes over in the last line of defence. Pietersen is back in the side after being overlooked for the overseas leg of the Stormers’ overseas campaign. He played for Vodacom WP in the Vodacom Cup competition.

Gcobani Bobo is also back at wing after missing the previous match due to injury. He replaces Tonderai Chavhanga, who goes to the substitute bench after starting for the first time in a long while last weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury.

At flank Peter Louw will be starting in place of Springbok Schalk Burger, who has to rest for the next two weeks after hurting his calf against the Chiefs. Burger took over the captaincy from Jean de Villiers, who is also injured.

In Burger’s absence Luke Watson, who led the team for two seasons, will be taking the reins again.

Tigthhead prop Brian Mujati also returns from injury, but he will be one of the substitutes. His return meant there was no place for Tiger Bax, the UCT fullback who replaced Jantjes last weekend.

Should Schalk Brits take to the field on Saturday, it will be his 50th cap for the Stormers.

FNB Maties take on FNB UCT in an intervarsity curtain raiser at 16h00.

Tickets are on sale and can be bought from the Newlands Rugby Stadium Box office and through Computicket, Shoprite Checkers and Checkers Hyperstores countrywide.

The Vodacom Stormers team is as follows:

15. Joe Pietersen
14. Gcobani Bobo
13. Dylan Des Fountain
12. Peter Grant
11. Sireli Naqelevuki
10. Willem De Waal
9. Dewaldt Duvenage
8. Luke Watson (C)
7 Duane Vermeulen
6. Pieter Louw
5. AJ Venter
4. Hilton Lobberts
3. Brock Harris
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
1. JD Moller

Reserves

16. Schalk Brits
17. Wicus Blaauw
18. Brian Mujati
19. Martin Muller
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Morgan Newman
22. Tonderai Chavhanga