Dobson calls 100-cap Stormers captain Kitshoff the ‘ultimate professional’

Captain Steven Kitshoff will earn his 100th Stormers cap in the Super Rugby Unlocked encounter with the Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

The powerful loosehead prop, who made his debut as a 19-year-old against the Chiefs in Hamilton in 2011, will lead the Stormers out at Tafel Lager Park for a match that kicks off at 4.30pm on Saturday.

There are three changes to the forward pack and two in the backline for the Stormers’ first-ever match against the Griquas.

Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche, lock David Meihuizen and flank Marcel Theunissen come into the starting line-up, while wing Angelo Davids will make his Stormers debut and scrumhalf Paul de Wet steps in for Herschel Jantjies, who misses the match on compassionate grounds.

There are two Springboks in the form of hooker Scarra Ntubeni and prop Frans Malherbe on an extended bench, which also features a fit-again Ruhan Nel.

Stormers coach John Dobson paid tribute to Kitshoff who has been a stalwart for the Stormers over the years.

“Steven is the ultimate professional and it is wonderful that he joins his old friends Siya Kolisi and Frans Malherbe as Stormers centurions.

“We know that playing in Kimberley is always a big test and our team is determined to put together a convincing performance up there,” he said.

Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Edwill van der Merwe, Dan du Plessis, Rikus Pretorius, Angelo Davids, Damian Willemse, Paul de Wet, Juarno Augustus, Ernst van Rhyn, Marcel Theunissen, JD Schickerling, David Meihuizen, Neethling Fouche, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff (capt).
Replacements (from): Scarra Ntubeni, Kwenzo Blose, Frans Malherbe, Sazi Sandi, Salmaan Moerat, Chris van Zyl, Ben-Jason Dixon, Godlen Masimla, Tim Swiel, Michal Hazner, Ruhan Nel.

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