13/02/2008 14:20

Cape Town - Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has announced his team to take on the Bulls in the opening round of the 2008 Super 14.

According to the Stormers' website, Springbok centre Jean de Villiers will make a welcome return to rugby following a bicep injury he sustained in the Rugby World Cup last year, and will lead his team onto the field in front of a packed Newlands on Saturday. Kick-off is at 17:00.

Whilst first choice fullback Conrad Jantjes is said to have fully recovered from a thumb injury, the coaching team opted to give him one more week off to ensure he hits the ground running. Gio Aplon will wear the No 15 jersey in place of Jantjes.

Ricky Januarie gets the nod ahead of Bolla Conradie, with 22-year-old Francois Louw making his Super 14 debut. New recruit Brian Mujati will be tasked with bolstering the Stormers front row, with Tiaan Liebenberg starting in the hooker jersey.

Stormers:

Gio Aplon, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (captain), Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Francois van der Merwe, Brian Mujati, Tiaan Liebenberg, JD Moller.

Replacements: Schalk Brits, Brok Harris, Adriaan Fondse, Ross Skeate, Bolla Conradie, Joe Pietersen, Dylan des Fountain.