Three Springboks back as Stormers power up for Sharks URC coastal derby

The Stormers will head into their first coastal derby against the Sharks this season with a major boost, as three Springboks return to strengthen their backline for Saturday night’s United Rugby Championship battle at DHL Stadium.

Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, inside centre Damian Willemse and fullback Warrick Gelant have all been named in the starting XV for the clash (7.30pm kick-off). Their inclusion will add plenty of composure, attacking spark and experience to a Stormers side looking to make the most of their final home derby of the campaign.

Reinach links up with captain Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, while Willemse partners Wandisile Simelane in midfield. Gelant resumes his role at the back, forming a potent back-three with speedsters Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg.

In the front row, the Cape side stuck largely with combinations that have been working. Boks Ntuthuko Mchunu (loosehead), Neethling Fouché (tighthead) and hooker André-Hugo Venter start in a formidable front row, with Connor Evans the surprise inclusion at lock alongside lineout ace JD Schickerling.

A big blow is the loss of Evan Roos with a minor groin strain. His No 8 jersey is taken up by Marcel Theunissen, who forms a strong loose trio with workhorse Ben-Jason Dixon and fetcher Paul de Villiers.

The bench features a mix of youth and experience, including backs Imad Khan and Jurie Matthee, as well as the return of Salmaan Moerat and the inclusion of Louw Nel among the forwards.

Director of Rugby John Dobson expects a special atmosphere at a sold-out stadium, saying the return of key players and the intensity of a Stormers-Sharks derby should make for another blockbuster Cape Town night.

“It is fantastic to have the likes of Cobus, Damian and Warrick back in the mix, and we are also excited to see what Marcel and Louw can do given this opportunity,” he said.

“This is our third and final home derby of the season, and we are set for another blockbuster in front of a huge crowd. These are the matches that players, coaches and fans live for, and we know that it will take a big performance to get the result.

“We have some quality players coming into the team and they will all need to hit the ground running and bring plenty of intensity.”

Stormers XV

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Marcel Theunissen, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ruben van Heerden, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee.