Kitshoff leads Stormers against Clermont Auvergne, Willemse at fullback

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff will lead the Stormers in their Champions Cup debut against ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.

Kitshoff will also make history by notching his 124th Stormers cap, drawing level with front row partner Frans Malherbe, who is rested for the trip to France.

It's the first time Kitshoff will lead the Stormers since last season's URC final when they beat the Bulls 18-13 in Cape Town.

Kitshoff is one of eight internationals in the Stormers starting XV for the clash in Clermont-Ferrand.

Damian Willemse makes his return at fullback, with Samoan international  Alapati Leiua on the wing in the only changes to the backline that featured against the Dragons last week.

Kitshoff is joined by Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba in the front row, while there is an all-new lock pairing of Salmaan Moerat and Gary Porter.

Deon Fourie and Ernst van Rhyn are picked as starting flankers, with Hacjivah Dayimani at No 8.

Stormers coach John Dobson said playing in the Champions Cup was a "big moment" for his team.

"The players understand that we have an opportunity to show people what we are all about.

"We are up against a decorated side at a renowned venue, which is ideal really for our introduction to the Heineken Champions Cup. We can’t wait to get going," Dobson said.

Saturday's clash kicks off at 17:15 (SA time).

Stormers team:

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain)

Substitutes: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Marcel