Wholesale changes as Stormers seek clean sweep
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Stormers coach John Dobson has made six changes to his side for the big derby against the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship at home in Cape Town on Saturday.
These include two among the backs and four in the forwards which sees wing Angelo Davids and scrumhalf Paul de Wet come into the starting team.
Herschel Jantjies, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Suleiman Hartzenberg are set to make an impact from the replacements bench.
Up front prop Ali Vermaak and hooker Joseph Dweba start in the front row, with Ernst van Rhyn at lock in place of Gary Porter, who has been ruled out with concussion.
Connor Evans will cover lock from the replacements bench, with Ben-Jason Dixon starting at blindside flank.
Dobson said that his team can’t wait to play at the Cape Town Stadium, having only played once at home so far this year.
“Nothing beats playing in front of our fans and we have another big crowd coming out on Saturday, which means it will be a special atmosphere.
“We are excited to see what the players coming in can do. Everyone is up for what should be another hard-fought South African derby,” he said.
Stormers: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Ernst van Rhyn, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Suleiman Hartzenberg.
Date: Saturday, 4 March
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Time: 14:30 (12:30 GMT)
Referee: AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Marius van der Westhuisen, Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
