Stormers boss shifts Damian Willemse again
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has unveiled his team for their big United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster in Belfast on Friday.
The experienced Deon Fourie will earn his 140th Stormers cap and lead the team in the absence of injured captain Ruhan Nel in the Round 17 clash.
With Nel (calf) out, Dan du Plessis shifts to outside centre, with Damian Willemse moving to inside centre and Warrick Gelant back in the starting line-up at fullback.
The only other change to the backline sees Imad Khan start at scrumhalf, with Stefan Ungerer and Jurie Matthee providing backline cover among the replacements.
In the pack, Evan Roos draws level with Duane Vermeulen for the most starts in the Stormers No.8 jersey as he starts his 73rd game at the back of the scrum.
Fourie and Roos are joined by Ben-Jason Dixon in the loose trio, with Paul de Villiers, Hacjivah Dayimani and Keke Morabe all set to make an impact in the second half.
De Villiers will wear the No.16 jersey on the bench, which features a six-two split between forwards and backs.
Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith continue in the second row, while Sazi Sandi joins Springboks André-Hugo Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu up front. Oli Kebble, Zachary Porthen and Connor Evans feature among the replacements, while Fourie will provide cover at hooker.
Dobson said that his team will need to fire for 80 minutes against a competitive Ulster side.
“We have been forced to make a few changes, but we are excited about what this team can do and we know it will take the best of us to get the win.
“As we get closer to the play-offs, the stakes get higher each week, and this is a crucial match in the context of our season,” he said.
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Wandisile Simelane, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Paul de Villiers, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Keke Morabe, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Jurie Matthee.
Date: Friday, May 8
Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast
Kick-off: 19.45 (20.45 SAST; 18.45 GMT)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Padraic Reidy (Ireland), Jack MacNeice (Ireland)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
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