Stormers chasing six of the best
WHILE the Stormers have kept their changes to a minimum, Glasgow Warriors have made a number of amendments for their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at Cape Town Stadium today (kick-off 6.30pm).
As John Dobson's side look to make it six consecutive wins in the URC, both changes are in the fowards, with Frans Malherbe back at tighthead prop and Junior Pokomela coming in at openside flank in the place of Deon Fourie, who is still recovering from a minor leg injury.
Lock Salmaan Moerat and fullback Warrick Gelant will both make their return from injury from the bench, with front rowers Ali Vermaak and JJ Kotze also among the replacements.
It will be the hosts' second-last game at home - with Leinster coming up next - before they head to Llanelli to conclude their regular-season campaign against Scarlets.
Dobson said they are looking forward to playing in front of their fans again.
"Our last match was a special occasion with an incredible atmosphere at Cape Town Stadium, so we are all really looking forward to getting back into it after a short break.
"It is fantastic to welcome back the likes of Salmaan and Warrick, while also keeping some continuity in the team.
"We know that we are in for another real test, so the focus is on taking another step-up.”
For Glasgow, SA-born Oli Kebble who will face his former team for the first time - and Kyle Steyn retain their spots as coach Danny Wilson made five changes.
“We are playing two form teams at the moment and we are fully aware of the strike force and the danger that they have,” Wilson said of their matches against the Stormers and the Bulls.
The Glasgow mentor added that while their preparation was a bit different this week, he is pleased with the condition his side are heading into the game with.
“I am really pleased with that result against Newcastle last weekend (in the Challenge Cup).
“Even though we left a few out there, there were still some really good stuff. We know we are going to have to be right against this quality opposition, especially away from home.
“It has mainly been a recovery week and it has been really hot, so we couldn't push the boys as much as we would have liked.
“We certainly didn't have our normal week's prep, but then again, that is part of coming to South Africa.
“The boys are fresh and looking forward to taking the Stormers on in
Cape Town.”
The Stormers are fifth on the URC standings on 47 points, three points behind third-placed Glasgow. Stormers starting XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (capt)
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ben-Jason Dixon, 21 Nama Xaba, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Glasgow starting XV: 15 Olli Smith, 14 Josh McKay, 13 Sione Tuipulotu, 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Ross Thompson, 9 Ali Price (capt), 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Ally Miller, 5 Kiran McDonald, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Johnny Mathews, 1 Oli Kebble. Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 James Bhatti, 18 Simon Berghan, 19 Rob Harley, 20 Thomas Gordon, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Duncan Weir, 23 Cole Forbes.*