Ntuthuko Mchunu to make Stormers debut in Champions Cup opener against Bayonne

The Capetonians get their European campaign underway at the Stade Jean Dauger, with kick-off at 22h00 on Friday night.

Mchunu is joined in the front row by Neethling Fouche and JJ Kotze, with hooker Lukhanyo Vokozela also set to make his debut from the replacements bench.

Captain Salmaan Moerat makes his 50th start for the team as he partners Connor Evans at lock, with Adre Smith and JD Schickerling set to make an impact in the second half once again.

Ruan Ackermann makes his first  Stormers start in a loose trio that also features Springbok Ben-Jason Dixon, with Evan Roos among the replacements.

Imad Khan and Clinton Swart form an all-new halfback pairing, while Dan du Plessis joins Wandisile Simelane in midfield, with Jonathan Roche providing cover.

The back three that did duty in the win against Munster last week is unchanged as Warrick Gelant links up with wings Leolon Zas and Dylan Maart.

Springbok stars Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach and Damian Willemse are being rested after a demanding end-of-year tour and are not yet part of the matchday 23.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that his team understands the magnitude of the challenge in Bayonne.

"We are up against a team with an impressive home record and it will require a big performance to start this competition with a win away from home.

"We are excited about some of the new combinations and feel we are well set up to maintain full intensity for 80 minutes on Friday night," he said.

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Clinton Swart, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Ruan Ackermann, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 JD Schickerling, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Jonathan Roche.

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