Allister Coetzee, head coach of the Vodacom Stormers, today announced his team to play the Western Force in Perth on Friday 2 April. Kick-off is at 12h05 (SA time).

Commenting on his team selection, Coetzee said, “We have had to make some enforced changes due to injuries sustained in the Cheetahs match. JC Kritzinger starts at prop in place of Wicus Blaauw, and Gio moves to fullback in place of Joe Pietersen. Sireli comes into the starting line-up on the wing. On the bench Eusibio will cover 1 and 3, Willem can come on at either flyhalf or fullback, and Frikkie will provide cover at centre and wing.”

He continued,” At lock and scrumhalf, De Kock and Ricky will get another start. Reserves will play a big role, given the impact that will be needed in the last 20 minutes due to jetlag.”

The Vodacom Stormers team is as follows:

15.       Gio Aplon
14.       Sireli Naqelevuki
13.       Jaque Fourie
12.       Tim Whitehead
11.       Bryan Habana
10.       Peter Grant
9.         Ricky Januarie
8.         Duane Vermeulen
7          Francois Louw
6.         Schalk Burger (c)
5.         Andries Bekker
4.         De Kock Steenkamp
3.         Brok Harris
2.         Tiaan Liebenberg
1.         JC Kritzinger

Reserves:

16.       Deon Fourie
17.       Eusibio Guinazu
18.       Anton Van Zyl
19.       Pieter Louw
20.       Dewaldt Duvenage
21.       Willem De Waal
22.       Frikkie Welsh