Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has made four changes to his side to play the Blues in Auckland on Friday.
Three of the changes were forced through injury. Centres Jaque Fourie and Jean De Villiers are out with a groin strain and chest muscle injury respectively, and will be replaced by Juan De Jongh and Johann Sadie.
“While they do not have much experience together as a combination, Juan is an international and Sadie has that x-factor,” said Coetzee.
“The players and team are excited about the possibilities.”.
Peter Grant has not yet recovered from an ankle strain and is replaced by Lionel Cronje.
The only tactical change sees CJ van der Linde replacing Brok Harris, who moves to the bench.
With the possibility of rain on the weekend, Danie Poolman covers wing and Dewaldt Duvenage covers nine and 10. Nick Koster also returns from injury in jersey 22.
“The Blues are playing great rugby and top their conference at the moment. It’s going to be a big game and, despite the injury concerns, we are focused, motivated and excited as a team,” added Coetzee.
Kick-off is at 9.35am South African time on Friday.
Stormers team : Conrad Jantjes; Gio Aplon, Johann Sadie, Juan de Jongh, Bryan Habana; Lionel Cronje, Ricky Januarie; Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger (captain); Andries Bekker, Rynhardt Elstadt; CJ van der Linde, Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Tiaan Liebenberg, Brok Harris, Steven Kitshoff, Anton van Zyl, Dewaldt Duvenage, Danie Poolman, Nick Koster. — Sapa