Dobson shuffles backline for big Sale clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers side to host the Sale Sharks in the Third Round of the Championship Cup sees the return of Courtnall Skosan and Herschel Jantjies in Cape Town on Saturday.
Other changes in the backline that Stormers coach John Dobson made is that Suleiman Hartzenberg shifts to outside centre in place of the injured Ruhan Nel.
The only change among the forwards is hooker Andre-Hugo Venter who makes a deserved start after a number of impressive performances as an impact player.
Hooker Joseph Dweba, lock Connor Evans, flank Nama Xaba and fullback Warrick Gelant all return via the replacements bench.
Dobson said his team wants to make the most of what is their last match at home until late March.
“We enjoyed some incredible support over the festive period and we won’t play again here for a while, so we would love to give our supporters another great night.
“It will be tough in what is a crucial match for both sides and we are expecting Sale to throw everything they have at us, which should make for a great spectacle,” he said.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Sti Sithole.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Nama Xaba, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Date: Saturday, January 13
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
Kick-off: 19.30 (17.30 GMT)
Referee: Luc Ramos (FRA)
Assistant referees: Jeremy Rozier (FRA) & Evan Urruzmendi (FRA)
TMO: Patrick Dellac (FRA)
