Controversial Springbok Luke Watson has been benched for the Stormers' Super 14 opener.
Stormers bench loose forward for season opener
Controversial Springbok loose forward Luke Watson has been benched for the Stormers' opening Super 14 clash against the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.
Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has favoured the more robust Duane Vermeulen at number eight for the derby match, with the former Cheetahs star set to debut alongside loose trio regulars Schalk Burger and Francois Louw - both of whom recently recovered from ankle injuries.
Teenage sensation Nick Koster, one of South Africa's finest loose forward prospects, will start on the left wing in the absence of Sireli Naqelevuki, who has not yet recovered from a chest injury suffered in the side's pre-season hit-out against Boland.
Springbok full-back Conrad Jantjes is back after missing both the warm-up games due to a groin injury.
Against a team as physical as the Sharks, most opponents would be tempted to pick a 5-2 bench loaded with forwards. Erasmus has gone for the conventional 4-3 split, but believes Koster could revert to loose forward if needed.
AJ Venter will make his Stormers debut against his former team-mates, while another former Shark in Percy Montgomery will make his first appearance for the Stormers since 2002.
Joe Pietersen is preferred as fly-half cover for Peter Grant, while Montgomery will also act as a utility back.
Stormers: 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Gcobani Bobo, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Nick Koster, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Enrico Januarie, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Adrian Fondse, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 JD Moller.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Wikus Blaauw, 18 AJ Venter, 19 Luke Watson, 20 Bolla Conradie, 21 Joe Pietersen, 22 Percy Montgomery.
