Stormers locks have a massive task

The Stormers have tasked the duo of JD Schickerling and Chris van Zyl to fill the big void left by the injuries to Springbok locks Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

The Stormers open their Super Rugby campaign against the Jaguares at Newlands tomorrow, but in spite of missing a few top players coach Robbie Fleck has named a powerful line-up.

Etzebeth is struggling with a long-term shoulder injury while Du Toit has a back injury but should recover in time for the team’s away leg next week.

Schickerling was a star performer in Western Province’s Currie Cup-winning season while Van Zyl captained the team to glory against the Sharks in Durban.

Four players are set to make their Stormers debut with former Cheetah wing Raymond Rhule included in the starting line-up at left wing, but there’s no room for the dynamic Sergeal Petersen.

On the bench prop Carlu Sadie, flyhalf George Whitehead and centre JJ Engelbrecht are all set to make their first appearance despite Engelbrecht being a former Bok centre and having spent time with the Bulls and overseas before returning to the Mother City.

“The squad has put in a lot of hard work, so hopefully we will see that pay off on Saturday,” said coach Robbie Fleck.

“It is always great to start the season in front of our loyal fans at Newlands.”

Rhule forms part of a dynamic back three with rightwing Seabelo Senatla and fullback Dillyn Leyds, while Bok Damian de Allende and EW Viljoen link up in midfield outside the halfback pairing of Dewaldt Duvenage and the young rookie star flyhalf Damian Willemse.

Captain and flank Siya Kolisi is joined by Nizaam Carr and Cobus Wiese in the loose trio, with an all-Springbok front row of Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi and Steven Kitshoff starting for the team.