Stormers spring midfield surprise for Glasgow challenge

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Stormers have sprung a surprise in the centres with the absence of Springbok Damian Willemse due to suspension for their United Rugby Championship quarterfinal clash against Glasgow Warriors.

Having finished the regular season in fifth position, the Stormers face the defending champions in Glasgow, with kick-off at 20.35 SA time on Friday night.

Warrick Gelant will link up with Seabelo Senatla and Ben Loader in a potent back three, with Suleiman Hartzenberg forming a midfield partnership with Dan du Plessis in the absence of the suspended Damian Willemse.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Stefan Ungerer will continue as the halfback pairing with the experienced Herschel Jantjies and Manie Libbok set to make an impact in the second half from the replacements bench.

Evan Roos resumes his place at the back of the scrum, with Marcel Theunissen and Paul de Villiers on the flanks and Louw Nel among the replacements.

Captain Salmaan Moerat starts alongside Ruben van Heerden in the second row, with locks JD Schickerling and Connor Evans among the six forwards set to feature after half time.

Andre-Hugo Venter starts at hooker, with props Ali Vermaak and Neethling Fouche on either side of him, with Vernon Matongo, Joseph Dweba and Sazi Sandi the front row forwards on the replacements bench.

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Manie Libbok.

Date: Friday, May 30
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Kick-off: 19.35; 20.35 SA time; 18.35 GMT
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse (Wales), Ben Breakspear (Wales)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)