Springbok prop returns for Stormers ahead of Ulster duel

Springbok prop Frans Malherbe will make his return to rugby for the Stormers this weekend after a lengthy injury layoff.

Malherbe is one of four changes to John Dobson's starting XV from the one that did duty against Cardiff last week.

The experienced front rower is joined by captain Steven Kitshoff and hooker Chad Solomon, who makes his first start of the United Rugby Championship campaign in the absence of the injured Scarra Ntubeni.

Elsewhere in the forward pack, Ernst van Rhyn will start at blindside flank, with lock Adre Smith also available to take his place in the starting XV after having to withdraw last week due to post-concussion symptoms.

In the backline Paul de Wet starts at scrumhalf in a rotational change, with Herschel Jantjies set to make an impact in the second half as one of two backs on the replacements bench.

Lock Connor Evans will make his DHL Stormers debut when he comes on as a replacement.

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"It is fantastic to have a player of Frans’ proven quality back in the mix and everyone is really motivated to deliver our best possible performance against a quality outfit like Ulster," said Dobson.

Saturday's clash gets underway at 15:00.

Frans Malherbe returns in one of four changes to our starting line-up to face Ulster in front of the Faithful at DHL Stadium on Saturday. See you there!?? Team announcement https://t.co/94Exi1ZMTr??? Tickets here https://t.co/fIs6nRhOwE#iamastormer #dhldelivers @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/MsIguSqwX9