The Stormers have named a strong 28-man squad for their friendly against the Bulls in Wellington on Saturday.

Springboks Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Wilco Louw and Dillyn Leyds have been included after missing the previous pre-season clash with the SWD Eagles in George.

Meanwhile, new faces Josh Stander and Salmaan Moerat could be set for game time off the bench after playing in a warm-up game against a Boland Elite side on the same day.

Seabelo Senatla and Sikhumbuzo Notshe were not considered as they are away on Springbok Sevens duty while Nizaam Carr is being rested, having recently returned from a loan spell with London Wasps.

Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck said the players are looking forward to testing themselves against the Bulls before the campaign gets underway.

‘The players have worked very hard in the pre-season, so this match will give us a good chance to get some competitive game-time under our belts.

‘We want to ensure that our players are up to speed, so that we can be at our best at the start of what will be another demanding season,’ he said.

Stormers squad:

Forwards: Jaco Coetzee, Jan de Klerk, Stephan de Wit, Johan du Toit, JC Janse van Rensberg, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Carlu Sadie, Ramone Samuels, JD Schickerling, Chris van Zyl, Kobus van Dyk, Cobus Wiese.

Backs: Craig Barry, Damian de Allende, Dewaldt Duvenage, Dan Kriel, Eduan Keyter, Dillyn Leyds, Justin Phillips, Sergeal Petersen, Raymond Rhule, Josh Stander, EW Viljoen, George Whitehead, Damian Willemse.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images