Vodacom Stormers head coach Kobus van der Merwe on Wednesday announced the team to take on the Hurricanes in Palmerston North on Saturday 3 March 2007. Kick-off is at 19h05 (venue time) / 08h05 (SA time).

Bolla Conradie is back at scrumhalf after starting the previous two matches on the substitutes’ bench. He takes over from JP Joubert.

In another backline change Brent Russell moves to fullback from wing. He takes over from Gio Aplon. Conrad Jantjes has recovered from a quadriceps injury sustained before the game against the Chiefs and will take his place at left wing.

The only change to the pack is at No 8, where Justin Melck takes the place of Robbie Diack. Melck is normally a flank, but coach Kobus van der Merwe is happy that the livewire Melck can do the job at the back of the scrum.

Commenting on the shift of Russell to the last line of defence, Van der Merwe said: “Brent did very well at fullback against the Chiefs. He varied his game well and often took up position at flyhalf.”

The team is as follows:

15. Brent Russell
14. Breyton Paulse
13. Jean de Villiers
12. De Wet Barry
11. Conrad Jantjes
10. Peter Grant
9. Bolla Conradie
8. Justin Melck
7. Schalk Burger
6. Luke Watson (C)
5. Andries Bekker
4. Gerrie Britz
3. Brok Harris
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
1. JD Moller

Reserves:
16. Schalk Brits
17. Eddie Andrews
18. Ross Skeate
19. Francois van der Merwe
20. JP Joubert
21. Corne Uys
22. Gio Aplon