Jonathan Danty makes his return from suspension to start for a star-studded La Rochelle against the DHL Stormers in the Champions Cup last-16 clash in Cape Town on Saturday.

Danty, who has completed his ban for a red card during the Six Nations, is one of 14 capped internationals who will start for the defending European champions at Cape Town Stadium.

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Gregory Aldritt, among a handful of stars who missed the pool clash between the two teams in December, will captain La Rochelle, who will also have former Stormers back Dillyn Leyds on the wing.

France U20 loosehead prop Louis Penverne is the only player in the starting lineup that has not received a senior Test cap and he is joined in the front row by former Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu and 145kg French tighthead Uini Atonio.

Australia’s 2023 World Cup captain Will Skelton forms the second row with Irish lock Ultan Dillane, while Fijian star Levani Botia is in the back row with Aldritt and France flank Judicael Cancoriet.

La Rochelle’s backline features former All Blacks scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow and France flyhalf Antoine Hastoy as the halfbacks, Danty and Samoan centre UJ Seuteni in midfield, with Leyds joined by France internationals Teddy Thomas and Brice Dulin in the outside backs.

La Rochelle have named a six-two split among the substitutes, with Argentinian tighthead prop Joel Sclavi adding further experience to a bench that also features France utility forward Yoan Tanga, scrumhalf Teddy Iribaren and another New Zealander in flyhalf Ihaia West.

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images

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Src: sarugbymag.co.za