Stormers give Bekker a break

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has decided to rest Springbok lock Andries Bekker for Saturday’s Super Rugby match against the Rebels in Melbourne.

Bekker drops to the bench with Anton Van Zyl partnering Rynhardt Elstadt in the second row.

Other changes to the side which secured a 16-3 victory over the Brumbies last week includes the return of hooker Tiaan Liebenberg and eighthman Duane Vermeulen to the starting line-up.

As expected, Springbok Ricky Januarie will start in place of the injured Duwaldt Duvenage at scrumhalf.

Louis Schreuder will come in as cover for Januarie.

Flyhalf Kurt Coleman will earn his second start for the Cape Town squad with Earl Rose providing cover on the bench.

The Stormers will have their renowned centre pairing of Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie in place for their last match on tour as De Villiers returns to the starting team.

Team: Conrad Jantjes, Gio Aplon, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Kurt Coleman, Ricky Januarie, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger (capt), Anton van Zyl, Rynhardt Elstadt, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw.

Replacements: Deon Fourie, Frans Malherbe, Andries Bekker, Nick Koster, Louis Schreuder, Earl Rose, Juan de Jongh.