Stormers have Damian and Kitsie back for exciting if somewhat daunting French debut
The influential Springbok duo of Steven Kitshoff and Damian Willemse will bolster the Stormers ahead of their daunting if exciting debut in the European Champions Cup against Clermont in France on Saturday.
Head coach John Dobson had indicated previously that the two men would be available for the trip being handed a rest in this past weekend's URC victory over the Dragons in Gqeberha.
Their availability is rendered even more timely as Marvin Orie and Frans Malherbe, two pillars of the Cape franchise's pack, will remain in South Africa.
The Stormers are thin when it comes to their stocks at loose forward, particularly after Nama Xaba and Willie Engelbrecht sustained niggles in the Eastern Cape and join Evan Roos on the sidelines.
Forwards:
Hacjivah Dayimani, Ben-Jason Dixon, Joseph Dweba, Connor Evans, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, Steven Kitshoff, Salmaan Moerat, Junior Pokomela, Gary Porter, Sazi Sandi, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn, Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.
Backs:
Clayton Blommetjies, Angelo Davids, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Herschel Jantjies, Alapati Leuia, Manie Libbok, Ruhan Nel, Damian Willemse, Leolin Zas.
Yet, even for a 26-man squad that relies a tad more on talent than proven class at the highest level, there are five members of the group - Kitshoff, Joseph Dweba, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie and Alapati Leuia - who boast previous Champions Cup experience.
"This will be an historic occasion for the DHL Stormers and we think we have a group that will be able to do this game justice.
"Some of our best players are back from international duty to join some players who have really put their hands up already in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
"We are all looking forward to the experience and