Stormers set for aerial clash with Brumbies

WING Kobus van Wyk was recalled to the Stormers’ starting lineup to deal with an expected aerial bombardment from the Brumbies in tomorrow’s Super Rugby meeting at Newlands.

The Australian pacesetters are in town in a repeat of last year’s playoff when they brushed the Stormers comfortably aside, and hometown coach Robbie Fleck believes they will again pose an aerial threat.

“Kobus is back to full fitness after a slight injury but there is a tactical element to the choice,” Fleck said.

“He was the original first choice before his injury, but his size and aerial skills count in his favour for the match.”

SA under-20 wing Leolin Zas drops to the bench.

Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak also misses out due to a neck injury, allowing a first start of the season for Nic Groom, while Louis Schreuder makes his way on to the bench.

Up front, Fleck has kept faith in the same pack that started in last week’s 18-13 loss to the Sharks.

That pits openside Nizaam Carr against the formidable David Pocock in one of the day’s key match-ups.

ý Whatever is left in the tank, Lions coach Johan Ackermann wants his players to empty it against the Cheetahs at Ellis Park tomorrow.

The Lions arrived home this week after a gruelling, but rather successful, tour to Japan and New Zealand and have one more exam before they can enjoy a bye next week.

They face a Cheetahs team that might be fresher, after enjoying the first forage to Singapore, where they beat the Sunwolves 32-31.

“Hopefully the players have enough left in the tank because the Cheetahs are a quality side,” Ackermann said.

“They play at a high intensity, but I have a lot of faith in our players.

“Although the travelling was hectic, we can’t use it as an excuse . . . they must throw everything on the field.”

The Lions want to bounce straight back after their 34-15 loss to the Highlanders last week.

The Cheetahs have brought back their heavy hitters for the game.

Influential Springbok lock Lood de Jager comes back from a rest week.

The preferred front row of Charles Marais, Torsten van Jaarsveld and Maks van Dyk reunites, while Clayton Blommetjies reclaims the No 15 jersey from Sias Ebersohn.