Tony Brown. Photo / Reuters
Former All Blacks first five-eighth Tony Brown is one of six changes to the Stormers team to face the Highlanders in their Super 14 rugby match at Cape Town on Sunday morning (NZ time).
Otago stalwart Brown replaces Peter Grant to face the franchise he represented 83 times
while Bolla Conradie is also awarded a start ahead of in-form halfback Ricky Januarie.
Dylan des Fountain is the third change to the backs, coming in for the injured Tonderai Chavhanga on the wing.
"Bash (Grant) has been struggling with flu but he's also played a lot of rugby," said Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus.
"The way he and Ricky play, they've also picked up a few bumps and bruises. They're two very physical players.
"In a way it's better that Tony starts alongside Bolla, as he knows Bolla better. The two oppose Peter and Ricky when we run drills at training."
Brown has been a key figure in two previous wins at Newlands.
The first as a Highlander in the 1999 Super 12 semifinal against the Stormers and then in the 2001 Tri-Nations match for the All Blacks over the Springboks.
Another forced change sees Schalk Ferreira at loosehead prop for JD Moller, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Tiaan Liebenberg and Ross Skeate are new additions to the starting pack, replacing hooker Schalk Brits and lock Adriaan Fondse respectively.
Stormers
Conrad Jantjes, Dylan des Fountain, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (captain), Sireli Naqelevuki, Tony Brown, Bolla Conradie, Luke Watson, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Ross Skeate, Brian Mujati, Tiaan Liebenberg, Schalk Ferreira.
Reserves: Schalk Brits, Brok Harris, Adriaan Fondse, Robbie Diack, Ricky Januarie, Peter Grant, Gio Aplon
- NZPA
