De Jongh returns to lead Stormers against Waratahs

The Stormers have named their team to play current Super Rugby champions the Waratahs in Sydney with Juan de Jongh returning to lead the team.

De Jongh was an 11th hour withdrawal from the team last weekend, but he is fit to take his place in the No.13 shirt this week and assume the leadership responsibilities in the absence of Duane Vermeulen, who is back in South Africa as part of the rest agreement with SA Rugby.

Nizaam Carr returns to the No.8 position in place of Vermeulen in a new-look loose trio, which sees vice-captain Schalk Burger pack down at No.6 and Michael Rhodes making his first start (at No.7) since picking up a knee injury against the Lions at the end of February.

Siya Kolisi drops to the bench after two successive starts on tour and will be joined amongst the replacements this week by prop Vincent Koch, lock Jean Kleyn and centre/wing Huw Jones.

Koch makes way for Frans Malherbe in the No.3 shirt – in what will be Springbok tighthead prop Malherbe’s first start of 2015 – Kleyn comes in for Ruan Botha as the lock replacement and Jones reverts to the bench after an impressive starting debut in place of De Jongh last week.

Stormers

15. Cheslin Kolbe , 14. Kobus van Wyk , 13. Juan de Jongh (captain) , 12. Damian de Allende , 11. Dillyn Leyds , 10. Demetri Catrakilis , 9. Nic Groom , 8. Nizaam Carr , 7. Michael Rhodes , 6. Schalk Burger (vice-captain) , 5. Manuel Carizza , 4. Eben Etzebeth , 3. Frans Malherbe , 2. Scarra Ntubeni , 1. Steven Kitshoff

Replacements: 16. Bongi Mbonambi , 17. Oli Kebble , 18. Vincent Koch , 19. Jean Kleyn , 20. Siya Kolisi , 21. Louis Schreuder , 22. Kurt Coleman , 23. Huw Jones