BOKS UNLEASHED: A New Era of Energy
STORMERS coach John Dobson has enlisted Springbok ysters Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in a line-up featuring 10 changes for Friday’s 8.45pm United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Scarlets in Llanelli.
Fresh from their contributions to the Boks’ victory in the Rugby Championship, Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu will start the match at fullback and flyhalf, respectively.
Jurie Mathee, who played at No. 10 in the Stormers’ home victories against Leinster and Ospreys, has been moved to the bench, while Wandisile Simelane shifts from fullback to outside centre. Stormers captain Ruhan Nel will don the No. 12 shirt.
Dan du Plessis has also been omitted from the matchday squad as Dobson has opted for a six-two split on the bench.
The starting forward pack sees various changes with loosies Paul de Villiers and Ben-Jason Dixon in the lineup, while locks JD Schickerling and Ruben van Heerden occupy the second row. Dobson has selected a new front row featuring props Ali Vermaak and Sazi Sandi, along with hooker JJ Kotze.
The Stormers bench will welcome back Deon Fourie, who aims to make an impact.
On bringing in key players and pursuing a third win along with the first on tour, Dobson wysed: “It has been a promising start to the season, and we are determined to build on that in this first touring match.”
“To secure a home playoff, we must win away, and we’re aware that our touring record [is not good]. Therefore, we aim to go out there and make a statement.”
The Kaapse span remains unbeaten in four past encounters with Scarlets.
However, Dobson acknowledges that it would be dom to underestimate the Welsh team, adding: “Scarlets have pushed us hard in both games we previously won here.”
“This makes tomorrow night [Friday] crucial. In a league like this, which is a marathon, every match is vital if you aspire to host playoffs.”
“We understand that everyone must be at their best for this match to maintain our winning momentum on the road.”
Stormers team v Scarlets: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Ruhan Nel (captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Ali Vermaak Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee
URC FIXTURES:
Friday: Munster v Edinburgh (8.45pm)
Saturday: Benetton v Lions, Ospreys v Zebre (both 4pm), Glasgow v Dragons, Leinster v Sharks (both 6.30pm), Ulster v Bulls, Cardiff v Connacht (both 8.45pm)