Hotstepper Warrick Gelant returns for Stormers for Zebre Parma clash

There are four changes to the starting line-up for the clash with the Italian outfit, which kicks off at 20:45 on Saturday at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma.

With Gelant at fullback, Damian Willemse shifts to inside centre to join captain Ruhan Nel in midfield.

In the forward pack, Adre Smith joins Ruben van Heerden in the second row, while up front, young tighthead Zachary Porthen is set to make his first start for the Stormers.

Prop Hencus van Wyk is set to make his Stormers debut from a replacements bench that also features the likes of loose forward Ruan Ackermann and utility back Wandisile Simelane.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the focus this week has been to continue to build on the positive start his team have made to the season.

"It was fantastic to get a win in our first game on tour last week, but there is no doubt that there are several areas that we can improve on as we take on a very competitive Zebre side this weekend," Dobsion told the Stormers' website.

"Having a player like Warrick back in the mix is a boost for us and the other players coming in are also keen to make an impression, so hopefully that will work in our favour."

Stormers - 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

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