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Stormers reveal new captain after late injury blow ahead of Bristol clash

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 03: DHL Stormers flags during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls at DHL Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)

NEWS: The Stormers have suffered a big blow ahead of their Champions Cup opener against Bristol Bears in Cape Town on Saturday.

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Captain and centre Ruhan Nel has been ruled out through injury, which means that Wandi Simelane starts at 13.

Paul de Villiers will now lead the Stormers out for the first time.

Stormers – revised: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Wandi Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers (captain), 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.

Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)
Assistant referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France), Flavien Hourquet (France)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

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