The Stormers will be looking for some creativity from Damian Willemse as he makes the shift from inside centre to fullback for their United Rugby Championship match against the Dragons on Sunday.
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There’s a sense of something building in Cape Town as the Stormers prepare to host the Dragons in a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) clash on Sunday.
Sitting second on the log, the Cape side head into this one with clarity around what’s required. By kick-off (3pm), they should know exactly how many points they need to hold onto that spot, but as things stand, the target is a full house of points — a win coupled with a four-try bonus point.
Still, the message within the camp ahead of the battle is simple: secure the victory first, then chase the extras.
They have momentum back on their side after a thrilling 32-19 win over the Bulls in Pretoria. It is a result that steadied the ship at just the right time. Before that, they were on a run of three losses against South African opposition.
With six games left in the regular season — four of those at home — the Stormers have a golden opportunity to not only lock in a quarter-final place but push for a top-two finish, which would mean home advantage deeper into the playoffs.
That journey starts on Sunday and there’s little to no room for any mistakes.
Looking at the selection ahead of the duel, there’s plenty to be encouraged about.
The return of winger Seabelo Senatla, centre Dan du Plessis and eighthman Evan Roos injects both quality and experience, while opportunities for players like Vernon Matongo, Imad Khan and Adré Smith can only build out the squad’s growing depth. Yes, changes can sometimes disrupt rhythm, but this is a side capable of delivering.
A key area to watch will be the halfback pairing.
Khan’s combination with the exciting Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could shape the tempo of the game, especially in how the Stormers look to stretch the Dragons’ defence. Outside them, captain Ruhan Nel and Du Plessis rekindle a familiar midfield partnership — one that will be central on both sides of the ball. Their ability to create space for the outside backs while shutting down opposition attacks could prove decisive.
Up front, the tone must be set early. Roos and Smith bring physicality and energy in the loose trio and second row, while the front row of Neethling Fouché, JJ Kotzé and Matongo carries the responsibility of laying a solid platform in the scrums.
If they get that right, the Stormers should find themselves consistently on the front foot.
The Dragons, however, won’t just roll over — they’re a tricky and unpredictable outfit — but for the Stormers, this game is all about control, creating opportunities and then taking those chances.
With the business end of the season looming, the inaugural champions know that now is the time to strike while the iron is hot.
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
Dragons
15 Cai Evans, 14 Jared Rosser, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Angus O’Brien (captain), 9 Rhodri Williams, 8 Harrison Keddie, 7 Harry Beddall, 6 Ryan Woodman, 5 Seb Davies, 4 Levi Douglas, 3 Chris Coleman, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Jordan Morris.
Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Owain James, 19 Barny Langton-Cryer, 20 Thomas Young, 21 Niall Armstrong, 22 Jac Lloyd, 23 Fine Inisi.