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CAPE TOWN — Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has made three changes ahead of Saturday’s all-South African Super Rugby clash against the Cheetahs at Newlands.
One of the changes sees Nizaam Carr replace Schalk Burger at No. 6, the latter being rested as part of the SA franchises’ agreement with Saru. Carr wins his 50 Stormers cap in the process.
In the second change up front, Vincent Koch gets a start at tighthead prop with Frans Malherbe reverting to the bench, while Nic Groom and Louis Schreuder swap between the No. 21 and No. 9 jerseys — with Groom starting — in the only change to the backline.
The Stormers are currently in first position on the SA Conference log, with nine wins from 13 games, and will be looking to make it 10 from 14 with just one home league match remaining this season.
The Cheetahs beat the Stormers 25-17 in Bloemfontein earlier this month, the men from the Cape having won 33-0 the last time they met at Newlands (on May 24, 2014).
“We need to perform and get the points this weekend to ensure we remain in contention for the Super Rugby playoffs,” Coetzee told the Stormers’ official website.
“It’s a big game for the Cheetahs, they always look forward to this fixture — against the Stormers in Cape Town. They will be up for it and we need to ensure we’re up for it too — both mentally and physically.”
Saturday’s match, the Stormers’ second last home league game of 2015, will double up as celebration match as the Western Province Rugby Football Union commemorates Newlands Rugby Stadium’s 125th year of existence, as well as 23 years of unity within the WPRFU.
Newlands Rugby Stadium is regarded as one of the most iconic rugby venues in the world, having hosted some memorable matches over the years — at international, Super Rugby and Currie Cup level, with some great players, both locally and from abroad, having been in action on its hallowed turf. — Sport24.
Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe, Seabelo Senatla, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds, Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom, Duane Vermeulen (c), Siya Kolisi, Nizaam Carr, Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff.Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble, Frans Malherbe, Jean Kleyn, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones.
Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter, Michael van der Spuy, Raymond Rhule, Joe Pietersen, Tian Meyer, Willie Britz, Boom Prinsloo, Tienie Burger, Francois Uys (c), Carl Wegner, Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Danie Mienie. Replacements: Stephan Coetzee, BG Uys, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Steven Sykes, Henco Venter, Sarel Pretorius, Coenie van Wyk, Rayno Benjamin
