Stormers make Roos call as backline veterans return for Dragons clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has revealed his matchday 23 for Sunday’s United Rugby Championship Round 13 clash against the Dragons in Cape Town.
There are several changes to the starting line-up that defeated the Bulls 32-19 in Pretoria last weekend.
In the backline, experienced duo Seabelo Senatla and Dan du Plessis make their return from injury.
Senatla is on the right wing and will link up with fullback Damian Willemse, whose place at inside centre has been taken by Du Plessis.
The only other change to the backline sees Imad Khan start at scrumhalf, with Stefan Ungerer and Wandisile Simelane the two backs on the replacements bench.
Evan Roos returns from the injury that kept him out of action last week, so Marcel Theunissen shifts to the flank with Ben-Jason Dixon set to make an impact in the second half.
There are two changes to the front row, with Vernon Matongo and JJ Kotzé in the starting line-up this week.
“We are back at DHL Stadium this week and want to make that count,” said Dobson.
“Last week’s performance was very encouraging, but we need to build on that and keep moving forward.
“We have got some quality players coming back into the mix, and we are excited to see how some of the combinations go in what should be a tough game against a good Dragons side.”
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
Date: Sunday, March 22
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Sean Muller (South Africa)
TMO: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland)