No 8 Duane Vermeulen will captain the DHL Stormers in their Vodacom Super Rugby, Round Eight encounter against the Waratahs at DHL Newlands on Saturday night (kick-off 19:10).
The DHL Stormers are back at DHL Newlands for the first time since the end of February and Vermeulen will skipper a team showing four changes from last weekend’s five-point defeat in Brisbane.
Regular captain Jean de Villiers will sit out this week with a meniscal cyst, with Damian de Allende starting in his place at inside centre.
Kobus van Wyk will take De Allende’s place in the No 14 jersey, with Jaco Taute starting at fullback in place of the injured Gio Aplon and Michael van der Spuy moving onto the bench, having last featured against the Lions in February.
Up front, meanwhile, the fit-again Ruan Botha (ankle) takes the place of Jurie van Vuuren at No.4 lock in the only change to the pack this week, with Tazz Fuzani (on the bench) the only uncapped member of the DHL Stormers 23.
DHL Stormers coach Allister Coetzee told www.iamastormer.com: “Depth is crucial in this competition. Having Juan de Jongh back to full fitness, following his comeback from a pre-season knee injury, means that we can still field a formidable centre combination – with Juan and Damian – in Jean’s absence.
“Jean and other players will benefit from this two-week rest period, with next week being a bye, and more players will be returning after the brief break. Players like Scarra Ntubeni, Pat Cilliers, Schalk Burger and Cheslin Kolbe will all hopefully come into contention for selection (after the bye).”
Coetzee also paid tribute to incoming skipper Duane Vermeulen, who was a consistent performer for the team on their four-match tour of New Zealand and Australia
“It’s scary to think that Duane is just 27 years old, yet he has already played 68 matches for the DHL Stormers and he continues to get better as a player and a leader,” he said.
“Players like Duane are the future of this union and it’s an exciting opportunity for him to lead the team as we look to get back to winning ways now that we’re back at home at DHL Newlands.”
The DHL Stormers and Waratahs have met on eight previous occasions at DHL Newlands, with the Stormers winning five times and the ‘Tahs winning twice. One match has been drawn (in 2008).
Tickets for this weekend can be bought online at TicketPros, or from selected Spar stores or PostNet outlets. Ticket prices start at R50 for standing and R80 for seating.
DHL Stormers: 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 10 Peter Grant (Vice-captain), 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Duane Vermeulen (Captain), 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Nizaam Carr, 5 Michael Rhodes, 4 Ruan Botha, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: 16 Stephan Coetzee, 17 Oliver Kebble, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Tazz Fuzani, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Nic Groom, 22 Demetri Catrakilis, 23 Michael van der Spuy.
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
IAAS wrote:
I’m looking forward to this months rugby
I picked up to end of April, no idea now for who and by how much, so no worrying and complaining during the game anymore to get the outcome I want
Can’t really fall much further in any case, but at least I can watch and enjoy the games for a change
@ nortierd:
My strategy might have to change. If there’s a 50/50 call on a match, I’m gonna go with the home team. Except for the Stormers.
Next week, will the fixtures be: bye Stormers or bye bye Stormers. 🙁
@IAAS
Last week not even the experts and bookies called correct.
There is so much luck involved, it’s not even funny.
It’s really affected the pleasure of watching the matches and just enjoying the game itself.
I’ll reasses end of the month and see where I am, but I’m actually looking forward to watching the matches this weekend
Some people are taking Superbru too seriously.
64 @ gunther:
Argh, Bru is just a game, it’s not serious… but it adds a bit of spice to watching the games and hoping for your pick to be close.
This weekend is particularly difficult to pick… can literally go any way.
@ nortierd:
You have to pick the matches you want to watch. I’m more interested in the results.
@ gunther:
A couple of upsets and other funnies have seen mine go down the toilet.
Do you think we’ll have the better of India on Friday? I think we’ve got one over the Injuns. I’d rather not be playing one of the semi-finalists in tomorrow’s match.
I went India and West India
@ nortierd:
That’s why I’m not playing superbru in the cricket.
So that I can watch it stress free. And see the Proteas take it. Sorry for you. 🙄
IAAS wrote:
Cricket I’m fine. Even if the Proteas take it, I can’t be caught, but we know we have to choke either Friday or Sunday.
I’m hoping Sri Lanka win though…..
@ IAAS:
We will have to be at the top of our game.
If we show the same intensity we showed against the poms it can happen
Toss will be important
@ gunther:
You may have to have a word with your ‘Ladies Cricket 20/20 Side’, they are meeting us ‘Poms’ in the World Cup Final and we are the favourites!!
Btw Bluebird = Carol from Keo 🙂
@ Blue Bird:
Ladies cricket??
I assume they use a tennis ball, bowl under-arm and use the one hand one bounce rule for catches.
@ robzim:
I think this is how the Saffa Ladies play!!!
You will find the Pom Women are somewhat more competent!! 😉
74 @ Blue Bird:
As a kid growing up in the West Midlands I remember the England Women’s captain was Rachael Heyhoe Flint.
How the hell could anyone ever forget a name like that.
@ Scrumdown:
Well remembered Scrumdown, she was way ahead of her time!
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