Stormers coach Gert Smal has made sweeping changes to his side for Saturday’s Super 12 match against the Reds in Brisbane.
Flyhalf Chris Rossouw, left wing Pieter Rossouw and hooker Pieter Dixon are all back from injury to take their respective places that were filled by Gaffie du Toit, Gus Theron and David Britz in the 25-11 win over the Bulls at Newlands two Saturdays ago. Du Toit drops back to fullback in place of Tonderai Chavhanga.
In two rotational moves, Smal has brought in Bolla Conradie for Neil de Kock at scrumhalf and given Pat Barnard a chance to show his mettle at tighthead prop. Barnard has replaced Eddie Andrews, who enjoyed a number of impressive performances in the first half of the Super 12.
Werner Greeff has made excellent progress from his groin injury, but Smal is not prepared to risk him. However, Greeff and lock Selborne Boome will almost certainly be ready for the following week’s match against the Blues.
Despite playing away, the Stormers are favoured to beat the Reds, who have been in poor form and struggling with injuries. — Sapa
Stormers: Gaffie du Toit, Breyton Paulse, Marius Joubert, De Wet Barry, Pieter Rossouw, Chris Rossouw, Bolla Conradie, Adri Badenhorst, Schalk Burger, Corne Krige (captain), Willem Stoltz, Quinton Davids, Pat Barnard, Pieter Dixon, Daan Human
Substitutes: David Britz, Eddie Andrews, Rob Linde, Hendrik Gerber, Neil de Kock, Gavin Hume, Tonderai Chavhanga