Cilliers starts for Stormers

Cape Town - Pat Cilliers will make his second start of the 2013 season, after being named at loosehead for the Stormers' Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders at Newlands on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 19:10.

Cilliers comes in for the suspended Steven Kitshoff in the No 1 jersey in one of two changes to the Stormers starting line-up that claimed a 35-22 win over the previously unbeaten Brumbies last weekend.

The other change is also in the front row, with hooker Tiaan Liebenberg (elbow) a late injury-victim.

Currie Cup-winning captain Deon Fourie will start in the No 2 jersey, with Martin Bezuidenhout being named amongst the replacements once again.

Bezuidenhout, who is on loan from the Lions this season, will be joined on the bench by the experienced Brok Harris (77 Super Rugby appearances) - who, in turn, will be part of a Stormers matchday squad for the first time this year.

Speaking about the challenge of facing the Crusaders, who have beaten the Stormers in their last three encounters, coach Allister Coetzee said: “They’re a top quality side - they’re the Crusaders after all, a side that’s won many competitions.”

Lock Andries Bekker will be playing in his 99th match for the Stormers.

Teams:

Stormers:

15. Joe Pietersen, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Juan de Jongh, 12. Jean de Villiers (captain), 11. Gerhard van den Heever, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Dewaldt Duvenage, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Rynhardt Elstadt, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Andries Bekker, 4. De Kock Steenkamp, 3. Frans Malherbe, 2. Deon Fourie, 1. Pat Cilliers

Substitutes: 16. Martin Bezuidenhout, 17. Brok Harris, 18. Don Armand, 19. Nizaam Carr, 20. Nic Groom, 21. Damian de Allende, 22. Jaco Taute

Crusaders:

TBA

Referee: Craig Joubert