The Springbok captain goes straight into the starting XV against Edinburgh, and John Dobson says his influence goes well beyond the 80 minute
Siya Kolisi is not easing his way back in. Despite the Stormers opening their URC campaign with a two-match tour overseas, he skipped any extra rest after Springbok duty and starts Friday’s clash with Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium.
Stormers coach John Dobson says the effect has been immediate, and not just on the field.
Leadership and lift
Dobson explained that Kolisi is not an out-and-out poacher but wins turnovers through his tackling and counter-rucking. Off the field, he expects Kolisi to play a big role in integrating the returning Springboks and setting standards. Dobson noticed the mood in last week’s warm-up, saying Kolisi’s smile and singing lift the team. Even so, he stressed that the rugby contribution is what the Stormers need against Edinburgh.
Bigger than before
What Dobson says he can’t get past is Kolisi’s size. He described him as a big openside flanker, perhaps not the most traditional one, and said he is heavier than when he left Cape Town. That physical presence, Dobson believes, will be useful on the 4G pitch.
Finishing the tour
Dobson wants a win to end the trip before four straight home games in Cape Town. He felt last week’s performance against Connacht was encouraging but lacked a ruthless edge, which the team has worked on. He pointed to the experience of Kolisi, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Stefan Ungerer, plus the promise of young players Yaqeen Ahmed and Wandile Mlaba, and said it will take a big effort from all 23 players.
Match details
Edinburgh v Stormers | Friday, 2 October 2026 | Hive Stadium, Edinburgh | 20:45 SA time | Referee: Eoghan Cross | SuperSport
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Adré Smith, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Andre Warner, 23 Wandisile Simelane
Edinburgh: 15 Piers O’Conor, 14 Malelili Satala, 13 Matt Currie (co-c), 12 Kienan Higgins, 11 Geordie Gwynn, 10 James Grayson, 9 Hector Patterson, 8 Magnus Bradbury (co-c), 7 Freddy Douglas, 6 Liam McConnell, 5 Glen Young, 4 Callum Hunter-Hill, 3 Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 2 Harri Morris, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Euan McVie, 20 Tom Currie, 21 Conor McAlpine, 22 Cammy Scott, 23 Rory McHaffie
