The Stormers XXIII have called on some seasoned campaigners as they look to prove a point against the Bulls XV at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The clash, which kicks off at 4pm after the Vodacom URC fixture between the Stormers and Connacht, marks the team’s first home game of the SA Rugby U23 Cup campaign following two tough outings on the road.
Injuries have forced a reshuffle in the backline. Suleiman Hartzenberg returns to add spark in a dangerous back three alongside JC Mars and Luke Burger, while Jonathan Roche slots into midfield with captain Josh Boulle. At halfback, Dominic Malgas and Imad Khan will steer the side.
Up front, Sazi Sandi anchors the scrum alongside Luca Bakkes and Mhleli Khuzwayo, with Connor Evans and Adam de Waal combining in the second row, and Keke Morabe, Divan Fuller and Alutha Wesi in the loose trio.
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High performance manager Hanyani Shimange believes the return to Cape Town could prove crucial.
“It is always tough to travel to places like Durban and Pretoria, so hopefully this team will be able to make home advantage count on the weekend,” he said.
“We have been hit by a few injuries this week, but there are some talented players in the mix and a good blend of hungry young players and some experienced heads who will be able to keep the team focused.
“After the defeat last week, it is important to bounce back quickly, and we are excited to see what this team has to offer.”
STORMERS XXIII – 15 Luke Burger, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Josh Boulle (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 JC Mars, 10 Dominic Malgas, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Keke Morabe, 7 Divan Fuller, 6 Alutha Wesi, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adam de Waal, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Luca Bakkes, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.
Bench: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Gary Porter, 20 Aidan Norris, 21 Asad Moos, 22 Kyle Smith, 23 Ezekiel Ngobeni.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Roche, Hartzenberg return for Stormers XXIII appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Stormers XXIII have called on some seasoned campaigners as they look to prove a point against the Bulls XV at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The post Roche, Hartzenberg return for Stormers XXIII appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
