Fit-again Springbok centre Juan de Jongh will start at outside centre for the Stormers in Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the unbeaten Brumbies.
De Jongh will play in his first competitive match of the 2013 season, having picked up a hamstring injury during a pre-season match against the Cheetahs early last month.
The return of De Jongh sees captain Jean de Villiers shift to inside centre, with youngster Damian de Allende warming the bench after starting three matches in succession.
Gerhard van den Heever comes in for his first start, as a replacement for the injured Bryan Habana, whilst Dewaldt Duvenage takes over at scrum-half from Nic Groom who will revert to the bench.
There is just one change to the Stormers pack. Springbok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, who made his comeback from the bench against the Chiefs, takes over from Deon Fourie who drops to the bench.
Joining Fourie, Groom and De Allende on the bench this week is Springbok back Jaco Taute - back in action again after taking a knock to his groin region against the Bulls in the Stormers' opening match of 2013.
"The Brumbies are the pace-setters in the 2013 Super Rugby tournament - it will be a tough game against a quality side, but we're looking forward to the challenge (of playing against a quality outfit)," said Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.
"Their set-piece is good, they put the opposition under pressure with ball in hand and it will be a good challenge for our defensive system and defence line.
"Technically, the Brumbies have been good, as they showed against the Sharks, but people tend to be overlooking the fact that this Brumbies side is a physical unit too."
Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 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 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Don Armand, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Damian de Allende, Jaco Taute.
Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19:10 (17:10 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)
Comments
nefari says...
Now the wings will definitely not see the ball
Posted 06:44 21st March 2013
JayStarr says...
Good side, SO glad to see De Jongh back... but little nervous with both Aplon and Pietersen in the starting squad against the Brumbies' big backs. GvdH better be awake.
Posted 22:26 20th March 2013
Zimboy says...
@Fish, but isn't Joe Pietersen needed desperately for kicking duties? Certainly cannot rely on Jantjies? And where is Peter Grant in this set-up?
Posted 16:45 20th March 2013
FISH says...
@maoriAsh maybe they're trying to ease him back into the game after his injury, but i agree if he was declared fit he should be starting
Posted 15:12 20th March 2013
MaoriAsh says...
Jaco taute on the bench??? Seriously...
Posted 12:33 20th March 2013