Africa-Press – South-Africa. Stormers coach John Dobson has made six changes to his team for Saturday’s URC coastal derby against the Sharks in Cape Town.
The Stormers were last in action on 18 February when they beat the Bulls 23-19 in Pretoria.
Two of the changes are in the backline and four in the pack.
Wing Angelo Davids and scrumhalf Paul de Wet come into the starting team, with Suleiman Hartzenberg and Herschel Jantjies moving down to the bench.
Springbok Manie Libbok, who was a star performer against the Bulls at Loftus, remains the starting No 10.
Up front prop, loosehead prop Ali Vermaak and hooker Joseph Dweba start in the front row, with Ernst van Rhyn at lock in place of Gary Porter, who has been ruled out with concussion. Prop Brok Harris moves to the bench, while JJ Kotze is the reserve hooker as Scarra Ntubeni misses out.
Connor Evans will cover lock from the bench, with Ben-Jason Dixon starting at blindside flank in place of Willie Engelbrecht, who also features on the bench.
Dobson said they were eager to play in Cape Town again, having only played one home game so far in 2023.
“Nothing beats playing in front of our fans at Cape Town Stadium and we have another big crowd coming out on Saturday, which means it will be a special atmosphere.
“We are excited to see what the players coming in can do. Everyone is up for what should be another hard-fought South African derby,” the coach said.
The Stormers are second on the URC standings on 54 points, 12 points behind leaders Leinster. The Sharks are seventh on 40 points.
Saturday’s clash kicks off at 14:30.
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