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The Stormers, desperate to end their losing streak, have brought back some heavy artillery for their round 11 clash with the Rebels.
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Wing JJ Engelbrecht and flanker Kobus van Dyk will start for the Stormers at Newlands on Friday.
The Stormers are back home after three away games – which they lost to the Bulls, Lions and Sharks.
Engelbrecht’s inclusion on the left wing is the only change to the backline, while in the forward pack Van Dyk is at blindside flanker, with Pieter-Steph du Toit shifting to lock – where he will partner Chris van Zyl.
Cobus Wiese and Seabelo Senatla both make their return from injury on the replacements bench.
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said that his team is looking forward to playing at Newlands once again.
“It is always good to be back at Newlands and playing in front of our faithful supporters who have played a big role in our three wins at home this season,” he said.
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The Rebels are looking to end their own South African skid, having lost 13 straight games on South African soil.
The good news is their captain Adam Coleman will join them at Newlands, after shrugging off injury concerns stemming from an early exit during last weekend’s loss to the Bulls.
Lopeti Timani comes onto the flank for Ross Haylett-Petty, while Billy Meakes returns to the centres to replace the injured Dane Haylett-Petty. Jack Maddocks will start at fullback, and Tom English on the wing.
Wallabies front-rower Jermaine Ainsley makes his first start since March in a direct swap with Sam Talakai, who is in line to make his 50th Super Rugby appearance this Friday.
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Among the reserves, 20-year-old front-rower Sama Malolo is set to make his Super Rugby debut if called upon, while flanker Colby Fainga’a and outside back Semisi Tupou round out the inclusions.
Melbourne Rebels Head Coach, Dave Wessels said: “It’s great to have LT (Timani), Jermaine and Billy back in the team – aside from Aranu Rangi (who has been fantastic) it’s the pack that we started our campaign with. We know there’s a fair bit of cohesion in that group and that will be important on Friday.
“The Stormers are a quality outfit and a particularly dangerous prospect in front of their Cape Town crowd. It’s a wonderful challenge for our players and we’re excited for Friday.”
STORMERS
15. Dillyn Leyds, 14. Craig Barry, 13. EW Viljoen, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. JJ Engelbrecht, 10. Damian Willemse, 9. Dewaldt Duvenage, 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7. Kobus van Dyk, 6. Siya Kolisi (captain), 5. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4. Chris van Zyl, 3. Wilco Louw, 2. Ramone Samuels, 1. Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16. Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17. Jacobus Janse van Rensburg, 18. Carlu Sadie, 19. Cobus Wiese, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Paul de Wet, 22. Sarel Marais, 23. Seabelo Senatla.
REBELS
15. Jack Maddocks, 14. Tom English, 13. Reece Hodge, 12. Billy Meakes, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Jack Debreczeni, 9. Will Genia, 8. Amanaki Mafi, 7. Angus Cottrell, 6. Lopeti Timani, 5. Adam Coleman (C), 4. Matt Philip, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 2. Anaru Rangi, 1. Tetera Faulkner.
Replacements: 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Fereti Sa’aga, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Geoff Parling, 20. Colby Fainga’a, 21. Harrison Goddard, 22. Semisi Tupou, 23. Sefa Naivalu.
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