The stage is set in Cape Town for an explosive opening round of the Investec Champions Cup as the Stormers host the Bristol Bears at the DHL Stadium this afternoon.
With kick-off scheduled for 16:15 (SA time), both teams are looking to make an immediate statement in the pool stages.
Match Overview & Form Guide
- The Stormers: Momentum is firmly on the side of the men from the Cape. John Dobson’s charges enter this fixture riding high after a dominant 39-22 victory over the Sharks last weekend, backed by a strong campaign in the URC where they have only suffered a single defeat.
- The Bristol Bears: Pat Lam’s visitors arrive eager to bounce back following a tough 30-7 defeat to Saracens. However, Bristol holds fond memories of South Africa—having famously claimed a victory at Loftus Versfeld last season—and will be dangerous opponents looking to upset the home crowd.
- Key Narrative: Adding massive star power and grit to the occasion, Siya Kolisi starts for the Stormers alongside an exciting lineup featuring Springbok stars like Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Match Details & Lineups
- Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- Kick-off: 16:15 SA Time
- Referee: Kevin Bralley
- TV Broadcast: SuperSport
Stormers XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 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.
