Fresh from helping the Junior Springboks lift the World Rugby U20 Championship, Markus Muller will make his Currie Cup debut when the Stormers XXIII face the Sharks XV at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The 19-year-old outside centre is one of eight changes to the starting XV as coach Tom Dawson-Squibb looks for an improved performance following Sunday’s heavy defeat to the Boland Cavaliers.
Muller will partner Josh Boulle in midfield, while fellow Junior Springbok world champion Danie Kruger is in line for his first taste of Currie Cup action from the replacements bench. Hooker Altus Rabie could also make his debut in the competition.
MORE: ‘Slow’ Stormers seek line speed
There is further good news for the Stormers, with experienced winger Suleiman Hartzenberg returning from injury to make his first appearance of the campaign.
Kyle Smith starts at flyhalf for the first time this season, while Louw Nel returns from a long-term injury to take his place on the flank.
In the tight five, Gary Porter comes into the second row alongside a fit-again Tom Barnard, while Hencus van Wyk starts at loosehead prop.
The bench has also been strengthened by the return of scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni from injury.
Dawson-Squibb said his side had made the most of a quick turnaround between matches.
“This team is determined to put in a performance that all of us and our fans can be proud of at home this weekend.
“We have been boosted by the inclusion of some players returning to our squad, and we are really looking forward to seeing how the new combinations go out there.
“There is a real desire to make a significant step-up in all departments, and we have packed a lot into a short space of time, so we are excited for what should be a great day out at DHL Stadium on Saturday.”
STORMERS XXIII – 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Josh Boulle, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Stefan Ungerer (c), 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Keke Morabe, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Hencus van Wyk.
Bench: 16 Altus Rabie, 17 Mhleli Khuzwayo, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Xola Nyali, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Gino Cupido, 23 Kian Davis.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Muller headlines Stormers shake-up appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Markus Muller will make his Currie Cup debut when the Stormers XXIII face the Sharks XV at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The post Muller headlines Stormers shake-up appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
