Stalwart Deon Fourie will lead the Stormers on Friday evening in a crucial URC clash against Ulster in Belfast.
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Veteran Deon Fourie will lead the Stormers in their crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night (8.45pm start), stepping in as captain with Ruhan Nel ruled out through injury.
The experienced loose forward will earn his 140th cap for the Cape side in a match where they will look to remain at the top of the log with a victory at the Affidea Stadium.
Nel, who is out with a calf injury, is replaced at outside centre by Dan du Plessis, with Springbok Damian Willemse moving into the No 12 jersey to bulk up the midfield for the Ulster onslaught. Warrick Gelant returns to the side after missing the clash against the Glasgow Warriors and slots in at fullback.
Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will form an exciting partnership with Imad Khan, who shoulders plenty of responsibility in the crucial encounter.
Up front, there’s another major milestone for Evan Roos, who will make his 73rd start at No 8, drawing level with Stormers legend Duane Vermeulen for the most starts at the back of the scrum. Roos lines up alongside Fourie and No 7 Ben-Jason Dixon in the loose trio, while Paul de Villiers, Hacjivah Dayimani and Keke Morabe are expected to provide impact off the bench later in the game.
In the second row, Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith continue their combination, and their lineout prowess on both sides of the ball will be crucial. Tighthead prop Sazi Sandi comes into the front row alongside Springbok hooker André-Hugo Venter and loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Interestingly, De Villiers is named in the replacement hooker jersey, although Fourie will provide cover there, allowing the Stormers to opt for a six-two split on the bench with extra loose forward cover.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson admitted his side will need a full 80-minute performance against a dangerous Ulster outfit.
“We’ve had to make a few changes, but we’re excited about what this group can produce and we know it’s going to take a massive effort to get the win,” said Dobson.
“With the play-offs getting closer every week, the pressure and importance of these matches keeps growing. This is a huge game for us in the context of our season.”
Stormers XV
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Wandisile Simelane, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Paul de Villiers, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Keke Morabe, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Jurie Matthee.