Stormers head coach John Dobson has brought back a seasoned veteran for the upcoming pre-season face-off on Friday. Veteran prop Ali Vermaak, lately seen playing for the Boland Cavaliers in the Currie Cup, is slated to come off the bench when the team meets the Bulls in Paarl at Faure Street Stadium.
Among the starters, lock Riley Norton returns to the field after a hamstring issue delayed his much-anticipated full debut with the Springboks in July. New faces André Warner and Lleyton Davids have also secured spots in the backline, promising a fresh dynamic against the opposition.
The team's strategic positions are manned by some familiar and fit players; Dylan Miller at fullback, Markus Muller as inside centre, and Jurie Matthee at flyhalf are all set to handle the team's playmaking and attacking plans. The front row features a robust trio with Vernon Matongo, JJ Kotze, and Sazi Sandi, while Hacjivah Dayimani captains the team from the No 8 position, leading the loose trio.
"We're looking at a blend of experience and youthful zest to kickstart our season," said Dobson.
The squad for the game is a mix of seasoned players and rising stars. The match-day 31 includes 14 players from this season's Stormers XXIII and six past URC champions, signifying a formidable lineup. Among the reserves are noted Springboks Neethling Fouché and André-Hugo Venter, ready to make significant impacts from the sidelines.
The future looks promising as well under Dobson’s Project 2029, with youngsters Olly Reid and Yaqeen Ahmed poised to add their energy to the game. Ahmed, in particular, is fresh from making a memorable debut in last month’s storied Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry match.
Here is the complete lineup for the Stormers: - Starting XV: 1. Vernon Matongo, 2. JJ Kotze, 3. Sazi Sandi, 4. Riley Norton, 5. Gary Porter, 6. Xola Nyali, 7. Louw Nel, 8. Hacjivah Dayimani, 9. André Warner, 10. Jurie Matthee, 11. Lleyton Davids, 12. Markus Muller, 13. Wandisile Simelane, 14. Mfundo Ndhlovu, 15. Dylan Miller. - Substitutes: 16. Vernon Paolo, 17. Lukhanyo Vokozela, 18. Olly Reid, 19. Ali Vermaak, 20. Neethling Fouché, 21. Herman Lubbe, 22. Luan Botha, 23. Adré Smith, 24. André-Hugo Venter, 25. Ezekiel Ngobeni, 26. Jayden Brits, 27. Yaqeen Ahmed, 28. Kyle Smith, 29. Gino Cupido, 30. Joel Leotlela, 31. Luke Burger.
As the Stormers gear up to take on the Bulls, the mix of experience and new talent is expected to provide an intriguing glimpse into the team’s potential and strategic direction for the upcoming seasons.
