Damian Willemse to play 50th Stormers game against Zebre, Kitshoff rested

Stormers centre Damian Willemse will play his 50th game for the Stormers this weekend when the Cape franchise face Zebre in Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Willemse, who made his debut in 2017, will earn his half-century in the No 12 jersey with Warrick Gelant fit again and taking his place at fullback.

Regular captain Steven Kitshoff will play no part in the game as he is being rested in line with Springbok protocols. In his absence, Deon Fourie will lead the side.

Leolin Zas will start on the wing in a rotational switch, while Brok Harris shifts across to loosehad prop. Hacjivah Dayimani is back in the starting line-up on the flank.

"We want to make the most of the special atmosphere at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday and produce some good rugby.

"It is great to be back on home soil and the team has worked very hard this week. We know this is the start of an important run of home games for us and we want to make sure we are as accurate as possible in all areas," said head coach John Dobson.

The game gets underway at 18:05.

Stormers

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Brok Harris

Substitues: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ernst van Rhyn, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Rikus Pretorius