Springbok makes timely Stormers return
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Evan Roos will make his return to action for the Stormers when they open their Investec Champions Cup campaign against Bristol Bears at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
The Springbok loose forward returns from a hamstring injury for the blockbuster clash.
Roos’ comeback comes at a timely moment for the Cape side, with Hacjivah Dayimani ruled out due to concussion.
The only other changes to the starting line-up from last week’s clash against the Sharks see an entirely new front row selected.
Vernon Matongo, JJ Kotzé and Sazi Sandi will run out just behind captain Ruhan Nel at DHL Stadium, with André-Hugo Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zachary Porthen set to make an impact from the replacements bench.
The starting backline is unchanged, with Warrick Gelant among the replacements.
Director of Rugby John Dobson said that his team is determined to make a strong start to the competition.
“We saw last season how important collecting points in the pool phase is in the Investec Champions Cup, which makes your home matches crucial.
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“We have kept a fair amount of continuity in selection as we look to build on some of the momentum from last week’s win. While it is disappointing to lose Hacjivah to concussion, we are able to call on Evan, who is raring to go, along with the new front row,” he said.
Dobson said that anticipation is building within the camp for another great day out at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
“The team is still buzzing from the incredible atmosphere created by our fans last week and we can’t wait to experience it all again as we take on a strong Bristol side that showed they understand what it takes to win in South Africa with a notable victory at Loftus Versfeld last season,” he added.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Riley Norton, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Warrick Gelant
Date: October 17, 2026
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 16.15 SAST; 15.15 BST; 14.15 GMT
Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)
Assistant referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France), Flavien Hourquet (France)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
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