Seven Boks start for DHL Stormers

There are seven Springboks in the DHL Stormers starting line-up for their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked encounter with the Emirates Lions at DHL Newlands on Saturday.

Following their bye in the opening round last week, the DHL Stormers will get their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign underway on home turf against the Johannesburg outfit, in a match that kicks off at 19h00 on Saturday.

There are just two changes to the starting line-up that did duty in the 34-21 victory against the Emirates Lions on Vodacom SuperFan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld at the start of the month.

Fit-again wing Sergeal Petersen replaces the injured Seabelo Senatla, while Bongi Mbonambi starts at hooker with Scarra Ntubeni among the replacements.

DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that his team is determined to make a convincing start to their campaign at DHL Newlands this weekend.

"This is our first competitive match since March, so to say that we are looking forward to it would be an understatement. The players and coaches have all worked hard in preparation and we can't wait to get going.

"We have been able to select a very strong team with some quality players missing out, so the challenge will be to gel as a unit and start our campaign on the front foot," he said.

Due to strict COVID-19 regulations, no spectators will be allowed inside the stadium on Saturday – that includes general seating and in the suites. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Michal Haznar, 23 Tim Swiel.