Du Toit back in action for Fleck’s men

The Stormers have decided not to follow the Springbok example by using lock Pieter-Steph du Toit on the blindside flank.

In a boost for the Cape side, Du Toit has recovered from his back injury and replaces Chris van Zyl at lock for the team’s first fixture of their away trip against the Waratahs in Sydney tomorrow.

The inclusion of Du Toit, who missed the opening 28-20 win over the Jaguares in Cape Town last weekend, is one of four changes to the side with coach Robbie Fleck also making some rotational switches to his back three, midfield and loose trio.

“It has been a good week for us in Sydney and the players are focused on making a positive start to the tour,” said Fleck.

“We know there are several areas in which we can improve, so we will be giving it everything.”

At fullback, SP Marais returns from a toe injury to replace Dillyn Leyds who has moved to wing in the place of Sevens star Seabelo Senatla who gets a rest after a heavy workload on the Sevens circuit.

In another change to his back division, Fleck has named former Bok centre JJ Engelbrecht at outside centre in the place of EW Viljoen who moves down to the bench.

This could be a potentially explosive combination with fellow Bok Damian de Allende at inside centre who has shown signs that he is busy regaining his form of three years ago.

Kobus van Dyk has been named as blindside flank with loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe, after a stint with the national Sevens side, named on the bench.

Hooker Bongi Mbonambi has been ruled out for two weeks with an appendix problem, opening the way for young Dean Muir to make an introduction into Super Rugby from the bench with Ramone Samuels named in the starting line-up.