Ben-Jason Dixon is the only change to the DHL Stormers starting XV to face Zebre in Parma on Saturday, with fellow Springbok Warrick Gelant named on the bench.
The Stormers were edged by the Ospreys in Wales last week in their opening match of the fourth Vodacom URC season, and will be eager to bounce back at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, before concluding their tour in Edinburgh.
Dixon, who featured as a substitute against the Ospreys, starts at blindside flanker for Dave Ewers. Jean-Luc du Plessis makes way for Gelant, and the playmaker is joined on the wood by tighthead prop Sazi Sandi and veteran scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage.
Synonymous with DHL Western Province and Stormers colours, the 36-year-old Duvenage is in line to make his URC debut in the blue and white stripes after over five seasons with Italian outfit Benetton.
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Sandi, Duvenage and Gelant are all set to make their first appearances of the season, while promising youngster Louw Nel will make his competitive Stormers bow if called into action.
Director of rugby John Dobson said that after a full week of training in Italy, the team is determined to make every minute count in Parma.
“This has been a good week for us and we are all excited to see what this team can do against an in-form Zebre Parma side,” he said.
“The players coming in all bring something unique that will hopefully see us lift our standards across the board on Saturday.
“We will have to be as sharp as ever and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. It is a challenge we are all looking forward to.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
