The DHL Stormers will be playing their first competitive match at the Danie Craven Stadium, as well as their first home game against European opposition when action gets underway at 18h05 (SAST) on Sunday, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport.

The 23-year-old Willemse made his DHL Stormers debut in 2017 at the age of just 18 and will start at inside centre against the Italian side this weekend.

The team will be led by the experienced Fourie in the absence of regular skipper Steven Kitshoff, who is being rested as part of a Springbok player management plan.

Warrick Gelant is fit to take his place at fullback, with Leolin Zas starting on the wing in a rotational change following some impressive performances for DHL Western Province in the Carling Currie Cup.

Brok Harris shifts across to loosehead prop, with Neethling Fouche starting at tighthead, while Hacjivah Dayimani is back in the starting line-up on the flank.

DHL Stormers head coach John Dobson said they are looking forward to what will be a special occasion in Stellenbosch.

“We want to make the most of the special atmosphere at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday and produce some good rugby," said Dobson.

“It is great to be back on home soil and the team has worked very hard this week. We know this is the start of an important run of home games for us and we want to make sure we are as accurate as possible in all areas.”

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Brok Harris. Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ernst van Rhyn, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Tim Swiel, 23 Rikus Pretorius.