Stormers shuffle backline for Glasgow
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There is a slight shuffle in the Stormers backline for the United Rugby Championship match against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Sunday.
Given the limited training time, Head Coach John Dobson has opted to make as few changes as possible for the Round 12 encounter.
Clayton Blommetjies comes into the starting line-up at fullback, with Damian Willemse alongside Dan du Plessis in midfield and Suleiman Hartzenberg on the wing.
Scrumhalf Imad Khan is set to make his Stormers debut, while wing Angelo Davids and hooker JJ Kotze also come onto the replacements bench in the only other changes to the matchday squad, as Dobson opts for continuity.
The Stormers Head Coach said that the team is looking forward to what should be a completely different challenge from what they have faced in home conditions recently.
“This is going to take a significant adjustment on a number of fronts for our team and this challenge comes at a crucial point in our season.
“We have seen some good growth from a lot of these combinations in recent weeks and would like to see if they can step-up while outside of their comfort zone.
“While we haven’t been here long as it took a while to travel, our focus is on taking the next step as a group in these sorts of conditions,” he said.
Stormers: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 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 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Angelo Davids.
Date: Sunday, January 8
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 GMT; 17.00 SA time)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Jonny Perriam (Scotland), Ross Mabon (Scotland)
TMO: Mark Patton (Ireland)
