Smith gets starting date with Stormers
The Brumbies have not defeated the Stormers since 2010 in Cape Town, but the Aussie conference leaders will have an ace up their sleeve, as well as superior form, for tonight’s clash in Canberra.
Cape Town-raised JeanPierre Smith will make his professional starting debut against the team from his home town, and will bring knowledge of South African rugby to the ACT outfit.
Smith (pictured) has featured on the Brumbies’ bench, alongside his brother Ruan, since round two.
Front-rower Scott Sio (ankle) is out, while Leon Power is also out injured.
Wallaby Scott Fardy will switch to lock, with Jordan Smiler promoted to the starting side at blindside flanker.
“It will test our depth in the forwards this week, but you look at our reserves and they have been fantastic for us this year,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
The Brumbies are coming off a 28-23 win over the Waratahs last Saturday night, a game they dominated in attack and defence.
The Stormers have won just one of their four games this season and are sitting in second-last place on the overall Super Rugby standings.
Coach Allister Coetzee has made five changes to the team that was beaten 36-20 by the Chiefs in Hamilton last week, with veteran peter Grant replacing Demetri Catrakilis at flyhalf.