Stormers seek redemption

FLECK: WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGE, WE’VE WORKED HARD

The ball is in the Stormers’ court to prove they can bounce back from the humiliation suffered in Christchurch last week. The Stormers play their second match of their Super Rugby away trip against the Highlanders in Dunedin this morning and coach Robbie Fleck is positive that they haven’t left any scars of the 57-24 loss to the Crusaders last week.

“This is a great opportunity to show what we are capable of in a tough environment against quality opposition,” said Fleck.

“We look forward to the challenge.”

While it remains questionable why Fleck is persisting with Pieter-Steph du Toit at blindside flank after he looked out of sorts there against the Crusaders, Fleck hoped his seven changes would do the trick.

“We have worked hard as a group to ensure that we bring the necessary intensity against the Highlanders this weekend,” said Fleck.

Lock Eben Etzebeth will play his 50th Super Rugby game, but has relinquished the captaincy with regular skipper Siya Kolisi returning after being rested last week.

Kolisi will start at openside flank with Nizaam Carr shifting to No 8 in the place of Sikhumbuzo Notshe who will start from the bench in the company of Kobus van Dyk who was flown over this week.

With Chris van Zyl ruled out with concussion, Jan de Klerk gets a chance to partner Etzebeth in the second row while props Oli Kebble and Frans Malherbe have rotated with JC Janse van Rensburg and Wilco Louw on the replacements bench.

In the backline, scrumhalf Jano Vermaak returns to the starting line-up along with centre Dan Kriel with the experienced former Highlander Shaun Treeby set to provide an impact in the second half.

Fullback SP Marais returns from a groin niggle, which means Dillyn Leyds moves back to the left wing with Bjorn Basson named among the replacements.

Kick-off: 9.35am