Damian Willemse will start at flyhalf in the Stormers' clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The 19-year-old will make his first Stormers start after recently returning from duty at the World Rugby U20 Championship, and will partner Jano Vermaak at halfback.

The side will be led by Frans Malherbe, with regular skipper Siya Kolisi and vice-captain Eben Ezebeth being rested after their recent Bok workload, while Dillyn Leyds will start on the wing and serve as vice-captain.

Leyds slots into the back three along with Cheslin Kolbe and SP Marais, with Kiwi Shaun Treeby and Juan de Jongh combining in the midfield.

Loosehead prop JC Janse van Rensburg returns from injury to take his place in the front row alongside Malherbe and hooker Ramone Samuels, who makes his first start of the season.

Bongi Mbonambi and Wilco Louw will provide front-row cover off the replacements bench, along with Steven Kitshoff, who could make his first appearance for the Stormers since 2015.

At lock, Chris van Zyl takes Etzebeth’s place next to Pieter-Steph du Toit, while Rynhardt Elstadt returns from injury to link up with Kobus van Dyk and Nizaam Carr in the loose trio.

Stormers – 15 SP Marais, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Kobus van Dyk, 6 Rynardt Elstadt, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Chris van Zyl, 3 Frans Malherbe (c), 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.

Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 EW Viljoen, 23 Seabelo Senatla.

Super Rugby teams (Round 15)

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix