Stormers opt for Feinberg-Mngomezulu over Libbok in pivotal URC quarter-final clash against Glasgow Warriors

The Stormers have shuffled their backline and opted for a six-two split on the replacement bench for the United Rugby Championship quarter-final against the Glasgow Warriors on Friday.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back at flyhalf, with Manie Libbok dropping to the bench to make way for the talented youngster.

In the midfield in the absence of the suspended Damian Willemse, Dan du Plessis will combine with outside centre Suleiman Hartzenberg and they will have the task of keeping the Warriors’ Scottish duo Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones in check at the Scotstoun Stadium (8.35pm start).

Warrick Gelant is back at fullback and will be one of the playmakers, together with Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the Cape side will rely on to get their game running.

Gelant’s defensive work at the back with wingers Ben Loader and Seabelo Senatla, especially under the expected high kicks from the home side, will be just as critical.

Up front, Evan Roos is back at No 8, while André-Hugo Venter gets the nod ahead of Bok hooker Joseph Dweba for the crucial clash.

Captain Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden will continue their outstanding partnership in the locks.

Stormers’ director of rugby, John Dobson, says they will give it a full go after a good week of training in the Scottish city.

“The build-up to this game has gone well and we know that it will take a huge effort to beat a good Glasgow team on their home track.

“We have built up some good momentum recently and want to take that into this game. This was a very tough team to pick with some deserving players missing out, but we are excited to see what these combinations can do.”

Stormers Team

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 Fouché, 2 André-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.