The Stormers have signaled their intent for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Connacht, naming a powerhouse starting XV featuring ten Springboks. The match at DHL Stadium carries immense emotional weight, serving as both a vital playoff push and a final farewell to two club icons.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu Reclaims the Driver’s Seat
In the only change to the backline, 24-year-old sensation Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu returns to the starting flyhalf position. After making an impact off the bench against Toulon in the Champions Cup, Sacha replaces Jurie Matthee, who drops out of the match-day squad. He will partner with the experienced Cobus Reinach at halfback, orchestrating a backline that includes heavyweights like Warrick Gelant, Damian Willemse, and Dan du Plessis.
An All-Bok Front Row for a Legend’s Send-off
The forward pack sees significant movement, most notably in the front row. Retiring legend Scarra Ntubeni earns a start at hooker for what will be one of his final appearances at home. He is flanked by a formidable Springbok prop duo in Zachary Porthen and Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Key Pack Changes:
- Loose Trio Shuffle: Veteran Deon Fourie and the physical Ben-Jason Dixon join Evan Roos in a revamped back row.
- Bench Depth: Paul de Villiers moves to the wood, while Hacjivah Dayimani is a notable omission from the match 23.
Dobson: “A Focused Performance for Chippie”
Director of Rugby John Dobson emphasized that while the team is determined to honor the late Christopher “Chippie” Solomon, they cannot lose sight of the stakes. The Stormers currently sit second in the URC standings and a victory could secure them crucial home-ground advantage for the knockout stages.
“Everyone at the club would like to celebrate Chippie’s life… but we will not let that distract us from the task on the field,” Dobson stated. “This is a crucial game… against a strong Connacht team playing to keep their playoff hopes alive.”
Stormers Team vs. Connacht
Starting XV: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Damian Willemse, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
