Steven Kitshoff in action for the Stormers against Ospreys earlier this season. Kitshoff will captain the Stormers in their Champions Cup opener against Clermont on Saturday. Picture: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency/Gallo Images
Steven Kitshoff will captain a Springbok laden Stormers in their historic Champions Cup debut match against ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday (kick-off 5:15pm).
Kitshoff will earn his 124th cap and draw level with fellow front row stalwart Frans Malherbe as the most-capped Stormers players when he leads the team out.
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It will be the first time that Kitshoff has captained the Stormers since lifting the United Rugby Championship trophy at the Cape Town Stadium in June and he is one of eight internationals in the starting line-up for the much-anticipated clash in Clermont-Ferrand.
Damian Willemse makes his return at fullback, with Samoan international Alapati Leuia on the wing in the only changes to the backline that did duty against Dragons last weekend.
Kitshoff is joined by Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba in the front row, while there is an all-new lock pairing of Salmaan Moerat and Gary Porter.
Deon Fourie and Ernst van Rhyn will be on the flanks, with Hacjivah Dayimani at No 8.
The replacements bench features a good blend of youthful talent and experienced heads in Ali Vermaak and Clayton Blommetjies.
Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that his team are focused on making a strong start to the tournament.
“This is a big moment for the team and the players understand that we have an opportunity to show people what we are all about,” said Dobson.
“We are up against a decorated side at a renowned venue, which is ideal really for our introduction to the Champions Cup. We can’t wait to get going.”
Stormers: Damian Willemse, Alapati Leuia, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas, Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ernst van Rhyn, Deon Fourie, Gary Porter, Salmaan Moerat, Neethling Fouche, Joseph Dweba, Steven Kitshoff (c)
Bench: Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak, Sazi Sandi, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Junior Pokomela, Paul de Wet, Clayton Blommetjies.
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