Share

Young gun debuts at Newlands

Cape Town - Perth-born Luke Burton will make his Super Rugby debut at inside centre when the Western Force take on the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

The 20-year-old re-joined the Force squad for their South African tour after being a part of the Australian Under-20 side that defeated Samoa Under-20 34-5 late last month. Burton has been selected in the Australian squad for his second IRB Junior World Championship in June.

Burton replaces Kyle Godwin, who has been ruled out with a knee injury, and will form a new centre pairing with Chris Tuatara-Morrison, who has been promoted to the starting line-up.

“I’m excited to make my Super Rugby debut for the Force and it’s something I’ve dreamt about for a long time,” Burton told the Force's official website. “My family’s originally from South Africa too so it’s really special to have the chance to play - and make my debut - at a ground like Newlands.

“I’m lucky to be playing behind a forward pack and be part of a backline that has been so consistent this season, and as a younger player coming into the team, I feel confident by having so many experienced players around me.

“The guys have performed really well this season and it’s great to have a chance to be able to contribute to that.”

Former Stormers outside back Marcel Brache shifts from outside centre to the wing in place of Dane Haylett-Petty, who will miss the match due to a groin injury. Brache played four seasons with Western Province and made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers against the Lions in 2012.

Brache will link up in the Western Force back three with both of last weekend’s try scorers, Nick Cummins and Jayden Hayward, while Ian Prior and Sias Ebersohn will continue their combination in the halves.

The Force have named an unchanged forward pack for Saturday’s match, while Patrick Dellit comes into the squad in the only change on the bench.

Kick-off for Saturday's games is scheduled for 17:05.

Teams:

Stormers:

15. Jaco Taute, 14. Kobus van Wyk, 13. Juan de Jongh, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Cheslin Kolbe, 10. Peter Grant, 9. Nic Groom, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Schalk Burger (captain), 6. Nizaam Carr, 5. Ruan Botha, 4. Michael Rhodes, 3. Pat Cilliers, 2. Deon Fourie, 1. Brok Harris

Substitutes: 16. Stephan Coetzee, 17. Alistair Vermaak, 18. Martin Dreyer, 19. Jean Kleyn, 20. Siya Kolisi, 21. Dylon Frylinck, 22. Kurt Coleman, 23. Michael van der Spuy

Force:

15 Jayden Hayward, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Chris Tuatara-Morrison, 12 Luke Burton, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Kieran Longbottom, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan

Substitutes: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 20 Brynard Stander, 21 Justin Turner, 22 Zack Holmes, 23 Patrick Dellit
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1118 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1978 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE