Leolin Zas gives Stormers real punch in vital Benetton URC showdown

The Stormers opted for consistency as they gear up for a vital United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter against Benetton this Saturday.

Their starting line-up reflects only one change with speedster Leolin Zas back in the mix, replacing Suleiman Hartzenberg, who drops to the replacement bench for the clash at the Cape Town Stadium (6.15pm start).

Zas’ return is expected to add firepower to the Stormers’ attacking arsenal as they seek to build on their display against Connacht, where they scored five magnificent tries.

Dobson emphasised the importance of settled combinations ahead of what he described as a crucial match in the context of the season.

“We know that we will have to be much better this week than we were last week, so we wanted settled combinations in place,” he said at the team announcement.

“There was a lot we did right against Connacht, and the challenge will be to ensure all aspects of our game are firing against what is a very tough Benetton side.”

Joining Zas in the starting team are other key players, including captain Salmaan Moerat and exciting young talent Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who will direct proceedings from flyhalf.

He was brilliant against Connacht and led the charge with three tries.

The backline, featuring the likes of fullback Warrick Gelant and utility back Damian Willemse, promises an exciting approach, which will be crucial to break down Benetton’s defensive structure.

The main focus this week was fixing up their defensive structure, and Dobson will hope they can close the space and not allow Benetton’s attacking stars to expose them, especially out wide.

Stormers Team

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 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 Sazi Sandi, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Bench: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Brok Harris, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Suleiman Hartzenberg.