The Springbok No 8 is back. Evan Roos has recovered from a hamstring injury and will make his first appearance of the season when the Stormers open their Champions Cup campaign against Bristol Bears. Kick-off is at 16:15 this Saturday.
A timely return
Roos’s recovery comes at a good moment, because Hacjivah Dayimani is out with concussion. The other changes from last weekend’s side that faced the Sharks are in the front row, which is completely new. Vernon Matongo, JJ Kotzé and Sazi Sandi start, with André-Hugo Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zachary Porthen ready to make an impact off the bench.
The backline is unchanged, although Warrick Gelant moves to the replacements this week.
Stormers team to face Bristol
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Riley Norton, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Dobson wants a fast start
Director of Rugby John Dobson said last season showed how valuable pool-phase points are in the Champions Cup, which makes home games crucial. He said the selection keeps a good deal of continuity to build on last week’s win. He called Dayimani’s absence disappointing but said Roos is raring to go.
Dobson added that the team is still buzzing from the atmosphere the fans created last week and can’t wait to feel it again. He also warned that Bristol are a strong side who proved they know how to win in South Africa with a notable victory at Loftus Versfeld last season.
