The Stormers have named a Springbok-loaded side for Saturday’s crucial Vodacom URC clash against Connacht at Cape Town Stadium.
No less than 10 internationals have been included in the starting XV as the playoff race heats up.
Second on the log, the Cape side know a win could secure their place in the knockouts, with plenty still at stake heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
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But the occasion will carry added emotional weight following the passing of long-serving team manager Chippie Solomon, with the match set to double as a tribute to one of the club’s most respected figures.
Director of Rugby John Dobson made it clear the Stormers want to honour Solomon the right way – with a statement performance.
“Everyone at the club would like to celebrate Chippie’s life and make this a special occasion to pay our respects to someone who meant so much to us, but we will not let that distract us from the task on the field,” he said.
“This is a crucial game in the context of our season, and we face a strong Connacht team that will be playing to keep their play-off hopes alive. It will require a focused and clinical performance from us as we aim to take a step closer to securing home advantage in the knock-out phase of the season.”
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Up front, Scarra Ntubeni leads an all-Springbok front row in what will be one of his final appearances before retirement after 15 years with the franchise. He is joined by Zachary Porthen and Ntuthuko Mchunu, with JD Schickerling and Adré Smith continuing in the second row.
The loose trio of Evan Roos, Deon Fourie and Ben-Jason Dixon brings physicality and breakdown presence, while the backline sees Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu link up with Cobus Reinach at halfback.
With Warrick Gelant, Damian Willemse and Leolin Zas providing attacking spark, the Stormers have opted for continuity with only one change to the backline that featured in Europe.
A powerful bench – including Ruben van Heerden and André-Hugo Venter – offers further impact as the Stormers look to get the job done.
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STORMERS – 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Damian Willemse, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Bench: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Bok-stacked Stormers brace for Connacht test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Stormers have named a Springbok-loaded side for Saturday’s crucial Vodacom URC clash against Connacht at Cape Town Stadium.
The post Bok-stacked Stormers brace for Connacht test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
