In a strategic move reminiscent of the Springboks' World Cup tactics, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has adapted his lineup amidst an injury crisis, as the team aims for a historic first win in Belfast against Ulster this Friday. The Stormers, currently second in the United Rugby Championship standings, are on the brink of securing a home quarter-final, despite facing setbacks, including the loss of key player Cobus Reinach to a knee injury.
The most notable change sees Damian Willemse moving from full-back to inside centre, taking over from captain Ruhan Nel. He will join forces with Dan du Plessis, who steps into the 13 jersey. This shuffle allows Warrick Gelant to reclaim the full-back position, flanked by wingers Leolin Zas and Wandisile Simelane. The scrum-half position will see Imad Khan starting, creating a new partnership with fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
In the forward pack, Deon Fourie will lead the team, marking his 140th appearance for the Stormers. Notably, Evan Roos will equal Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen's record with his 73rd start at No.8. The trio is completed by Ben-Jason Dixon, with additional support from three loose forwards on the bench.
The Stormers have also taken a page from the Springboks' playbook by naming Paul de Villiers in the number 16 jersey, with Fourie providing cover at hooker, an innovative approach used effectively in past World Cups. "We have been forced to make a few changes, but we are excited about what this team can do and we know it will take the best of us to get the win," said Dobson, emphasizing the importance of adapting to challenges.
"I didn’t realise I was captain" – Deon Fourie's Rugby World Cup final revelation and his crucial comment to Wayne Barnes
The match is pivotal as the playoffs approach, with Dobson noting, "As we get closer to the play-offs the stakes get higher each week and this is a crucial match in the context of our season."
Teams for the upcoming Ulster v Stormers match:
Ulster: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ethan McIlroy, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Charlie Irvine, 4 Iain Henderson (C), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 James McCormick, 1 Angus Bell. Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Wilhelm De Klerk.
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Wandisile Simelane, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (c), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16 Paul de Villiers, 17 Oli Kebble, 18
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In a strategic move reminiscent of the Springboks' World Cup tactics, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson has adapted his lineup amidst an injury crisis, as the team aims for a historic first win in Belfast against Ulster this Friday. The Stormers, currently second in the United Rugby Championship standings, are on the brink of securing a home quarter-final, despite facing setbacks, including the loss of key player Cobus Reinach to a knee injury.
The most notable change sees Damian Willemse moving from full-back to inside centre, taking over from captain Ruhan Nel. He will join forces with Dan du Plessis, who steps into the 13 jersey. This shuffle allows Warrick Gelant to reclaim the full-back position, flanked by wingers Leolin Zas and Wandisile Simelane. The scrum-half position will see Imad Khan starting, creating a new partnership with fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
In the forward pack, Deon Fourie will lead the team, marking his 140th appearance for the Stormers. Notably, Evan Roos will equal Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen's record with his 73rd start at No.8. The trio is completed by Ben-Jason Dixon, with additional support from three loose forwards on the bench.
The Stormers have also taken a page from the Springboks' playbook by naming Paul de Villiers in the number 16 jersey, with Fourie providing cover at hooker, an innovative approach used effectively in past World Cups. "We have been forced to make a few changes, but we are excited about what this team can do and we know it will take the best of us to get the win," said Dobson, emphasizing the importance of adapting to challenges.
"I didn’t realise I was captain" – Deon Fourie's Rugby World Cup final revelation and his crucial comment to Wayne Barnes
The match is pivotal as the playoffs approach, with Dobson noting, "As we get closer to the play-offs the stakes get higher each week and this is a crucial match in the context of our season."
Teams for the upcoming Ulster v Stormers match:
Ulster: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ethan McIlroy, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Charlie Irvine, 4 Iain Henderson (C), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 James McCormick, 1 Angus Bell. Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Wilhelm De Klerk.
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Wandisile Simelane, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (c), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16 Paul de Villiers, 17 Oli Kebble, 18