Blues v Stormers: Teams

Blues coach Pat Lam has retained the same squad that ended the Bulls' 12-match unbeaten run for the visit of the Stormers on Saturday.

That means John Afoa has been passed fit following his back strain, while Tony Woodcock remains sideline.

Luke McAlister will again start the match from the bench, with no place in the 22 for former All Black Anthony Tuitavake.

The Stormers have rung the changes following their shock defeat to Western Force.

JD Moller and Adriaan Fondse will get their first starts of the season, while Dewaldt Duvenage and Juan de Jongh are recalled..

"We have made a couple of changes to this week's side," said head coach Allister Coetzee.

Injured

"JD Moller comes in for the injured JC Kritzinger, who has not recovered sufficiently from the hamstring injury he picked up in the match against the Force last weekend.

"At lock, Adriaan Fondse will get his first start of the season. Fondse has played two Vodacom Cup games and is 100 per cent fit.

"He may take some time to adapt to the pace of Super 14 rugby, but he is an experienced player and brings a specific role to our game which we feel we need at this time."

"Dewaldt Duvenage will start at scrum-half. He is the in form number nine at the moment and is best suited for a side like the Blues.

"Juan De Jongh has recovered from his injury and makes a welcome return to the side at centre. He was the first choice No.12 before his injury and is the obvious choice when fit."

Blues: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Charlie Faumuina.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Paul Williams.

Stormers: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan De Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Adriaan Fondse, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Eusibio Guinazu, 18 Anton Van Zyl, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Willem De Waal, 22 Tim Whitehead.