Stormers bolster team for crucial Ellis Park clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers XXIII head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb has revealed his team to face the Lions in Friday’s final-round Currie Cup showdown in Johannesburg.
The Capetonians have been boosted by the return of two key players.
Fullback Dylan Miller and lock Gary Porter are back for the clash at 10bet Ellis Park.
The Stormers XXIII are currently in fifth position on the standings and must win in the final round of the league phase to give themselves a chance of qualifying for a semifinal.
The visitors will be without the services of centre Cornel Smit and loose forward Divan Fuller, who were both ruled out through injury, with Luke Burger moving to midfield and Eric Basson making his first start at No.8 as a result.
Junior Springbok star flank Gert Kemp has been called up from the Stormers Bolts team and is set to make his Currie Cup debut from the replacements bench.
Dawson-Squibb said that his team is ready to give it all they have.
“Our campaign comes down to this match in Joburg, and every person involved is committed to doing whatever they can to get the result we need.
“It is great to welcome back the likes of Gary and Dylan, and it has been a really positive week on the training pitch, so we are excited about taking on the challenge that awaits us up there,” he said.
Stormers XXIII: 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Luke Burger, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Ezekiel Ngobeni (captain), 8 Eric Basson, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.
Replacements: 16 Altus Rabe, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Luan Botha, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Dominic Malgas, 23 Kian Davis.
Date: Friday, August 28
Venue: 10bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)
Referee: Christopher Allison
Assistant referees: Stephan Geldenhuys, Juan de Bod
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen
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