Stormers make eight changes for Lions clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson has made eight changes to his starting line-up for their United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday as five Springboks are unavailable for the South African derby.
In the backline Angelo Davids, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Paul de Wet all make starts, with Dan du Plessis moving to outside centre.
Among the forwards Evan Roos is at the back of the scrum, with Junior Pokomela and Hacjivah Dayimani on the flanks while Marvin Orie is joined in the second row by captain Ernst van Rhyn.
Neethling Fouche and Brok Harris come into the starting line-up which sees Ali Vermaak, Sazi Sandi and scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies move to the bench and is expected to make an impact in the second half.
Dobson said he is pleased with the strength of the squad travelling to Johannesburg, despite not having five Springboks out of contention.
“We have managed to build some good depth already this season and we are really looking forward to seeing what these guys can do up there.
“We were obviously disappointed with the result last week and while training time has been limited this week, we can’t wait to see how some of these combinations go,” he said.
Stormers: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Brok Harris.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Nama Xaba, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Suleiman Hartzenberg.
Date: Saturday, October 29
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 16.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Morné Ferreira (South Africa) & Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Crouse (South Africa)
