Loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe will play his 50th Super Rugby game for the Stormers when they take on the Lions at Newlands on Saturday.
Having made his debut against the Reds in 2014, the 24-year-old has wasted little time in reaching his Stormers half-century and will lead the team out this weekend.
Notshe’s inclusion at number eight comes as part of a new loose forward combination, with captain Siya Kolisi back in the starting team and Kobus van Dyk shifting to blindside flank. Cobus Wiese and Nizaam Carr will provide cover on the replacements bench.
The only other change to the starting forward pack comes in the second-row, with Jan de Klerk in for Pieter-Steph du Toit, who was ruled out due to illness.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi and loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff are both back from injury and will feature among the replacements.
The only change to the backline sees Raymond Rhule on the left wing in place of Seabelo Senatla, who has returned to the Springbok Sevens squad, with EW Viljoen and Craig Barry providing cover on the replacements bench.
Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck said that his team are intent on delivering a complete performance at Newlands.
“It is great to be back at DHL Newlands this weekend for what should be another big game,” he said.
“Our focus is to be as accurate as possible and execute our plans so that we are able to impose ourselves.”
Stormers: 15 SP Marais, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Jan de Klerk, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 EW Viljoen, 23 Craig Barry
Date: Saturday, May 26
Venue: Newlands
Kick-off: 17:15 (15:15 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
Television match official: Christie du Preez (South Africa)
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