Herschel Jantjies, the hero of the Stormers’ last-gasp win over the Lions last week, has earned a well-deserved start against the Sharks on Saturday (5.15pm kickoff).
Jantjies gets to wear the No 9 jersey after bringing a bit more zest to the scrumhalf berth in the second half last week - with Jano Vermaak missing out due to injury.
The 22-year-old’s pace around the fringes will keep opposite number, Sharks captain and former Stormers halfback Louis Schreuder, busy on defence.
The Cape side went all the way to the fifth minute of extra time before Jantjies snuck in a try under uprights - the Stormers’ only sfive-pointer of the season thus far - and SP Marais kicked the decisive conversion for a 19-17 victory.
Eben Etzebeth has also been cleared to wear the No 4 jersey.
MADE AN IMPACT : Eben Etzebeth. PHOTO: BACKPAGEPIX
The Springbok lock played a major part in pulling the Stormers back into the game against the Lions as he rampaged forward with a number of strong ball carries, tackles and lineout steals.
Etzebeth has been working his way back from a foot injury suffered on last year’s Springbok tour to Europe, and he will be looking to spark a Stormers pack that battled at the breakdowns and gave away a number of unnecessary penalties against the Lions.
There is one other change in the starting XV, with Dan du Plessis coming in at outside centre for Ruhan Nel.
Du Plessis is a creative and hard-running No 12, but will look to add his silky touches on the high-riding Sharks alongside Damian de Allende at Kings Park.
On the bench, Springboks Wilco Louw and Dillyn Leyds return after missing out on the Lions clash due to injury.
Coach Robbie Fleck said yesterday: “We know that we will have to be sharp in every area if we are to get the result we want in Durban.
“Our focus is on being as accurate as possible, so that we are able to impose ourselves and our plans on the opposition.”