Stormers drop selection bombshell with new captain
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have made six changes to the starting line-up for the United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter with Ulster.
Tighthead prop Neethling Fouché will take over the Stormers captaincy for the trip to Belfast on Friday.
The Stormers will be looking to make it two wins from two matches on tour when they run out at Ravenhill Stadium.
Fouché comes in for Frans Malherbe, who is being rested according to national team requirements, along with regular skipper Salmaan Moerat.
Connor Evans will start in the second row, while the only other change to the forward pack sees Dave Ewers start on the flank in place of Deon Fourie, who has been ruled out with concussion.
In the backline, Damian Willemse starts at fullback, with Warrick Gelant’s workload being managed.
The other changes see a fit Suleiman Hartzenberg start at outside centre and experienced scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage in the starting line-up.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Neethling Fouché (captain), 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Gary Porter, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
Date: Friday, March 28
Venue: Ravenhill Satdium, Belfast
Kick-off: 19.35 (21.35 SAST; 19.35 GMT)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Eoghan Cross (Ireland), Andrew Fogarty (Ireland)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (Italy)
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