Stormers assistant coach Rito Hlungwani says making several changes was necessary for Saturday's URC clash against Ospreys in Cape Town.
Experienced Springbok prop Frans Malherbe will captain a much-changed outfit from the one which lost 22-21 to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup two weeks ago.
Malherbe will pack down in the front row alongside hooker JJ Kotze and veteran Brok Harris.