Dixon in for Springbok Moerat
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson made three changes for the much anticipated derby with the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship in Cape Town on Saturday.
Dan du Plessis, Suleiman Hartzenberg and Ben-Jason Dixon all come into the starting line-up which sees Du Plessis and Hartzenberg link up in midfield. Dixon comes into the second row for the North-South clash, which kicks off at 19h15 on Friday.
Dixon comes in at lock, to replace the injured Salmaan Moerat, while props Ali Vermaak and Neethling Fouche have both been included among the replacements.
Damian Willemse shifts to fullback, while Godlen Masimla comes onto the bench in place of the injured Herschel Jantjies.
Dobson said that his team are looking forward to what should be a great occasion.
“These ‘festive derbies’ are going to become part of our rugby tradition going forward so this is an exciting new chapter in the rivalry between the two teams.
“We have had some injury disruptions this week, but have managed to build some good depth this season and you can be sure that every player in our matchday squad will be ready to give it everything.
“This is a big match for both sets of fans and we are looking forward to what should be a fantastic atmosphere at DHL Stadium on Friday,” he said.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ben-Jason Dixon, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Godlen Masimla, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
Date: 23 December 2022
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19.15; 17.15 GMT
Referee: AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa) &: Griffin Colby (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
