Stormers v Blues: Teams

The inclusion of Peter Grant in their starting XV is the only change the Stormers have made ahead of their clash with the Blues.

Gary van Aswegen has been moved to the bench and replaced by Grant, who will make his first start of the season.

The 27-year-old fly-half came off the bench against the Sharks two weeks ago, slotting the winning penalty goal late in the match.

Coach Allister Coetzee is confident ahead of Friday's game and his minor team adjustments.

He said: "Peter is a Springbok and has a lot of experience.

"It's a very good Blues side that we're up against, and so there's going to be a lot of pressure in that [fly-half] channel. Peter has shown it time and time again that he can cope with that kind of pressure."

The Blues however, have been forced to make changes as both Rene Ranger and Anthony Boric are ruled out of the Newland's showdown.

Pat Lam's team that beat the Bulls in a 29-23 victory have made two changes with Ranger suspended and Boric injured, David Raikuna and Filo Paulo will replace them in the starting line-up.

Included on the bench are Hadleigh Parkes and Ben Lam, two players from the club's wider training squad.

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nick Koster, 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Skara Ntubeni, 17 Frans Malherbe, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Louis Schrueder, 21 Gary van Aswegen, 22 Gerhard van den Heever.

Blues: 15 Lachie Munro, 14 David Raikuna, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Filo Paulo, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Brad Mika, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Hadleigh Parkes, 22 Ben Lam.