Injury woes have forced the Stormers to make significant changes to their backline, impacting their strategy of running rugby slightly as they face a formidable Bulls at the Cape Town Stadium (2pm start) on Saturday.
They were even forced to select a traditional five-three split on the replacement bench for the North-South Derby, something they haven’t done for a while.
Our team to take on the Vodacom Bulls at a packed DHL Stadium on Saturday.
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) February 7, 2025
📢 Team announcement https://t.co/CDCMgClnH2#STOvBUL #iamastormer @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/FLdYtGOHNS
With key players sidelined – Ruhan Nel (shoulder), Manie Libbok (knee), JD Schickerling (knee), Neethling Fouche (concussion), Suleiman Hartzenberg (hand) and Ali Vermaak (leg) – the team has had to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge.
Among the notable changes, Wandisile Simelane will take up a position in midfield alongside a fit-again inside centre Dan du Plessis.
The halfback pairing sees fresh faces as Jurie Matthee and Stefan Ungerer step into the spotlight, aiming to orchestrate plays against the Bulls’ robust defence.
Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman on what they want from Jurie Matthee on Saturday against the Bulls #URC #STOvBUL pic.twitter.com/WvRna1EBoe
— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) February 7, 2025
The Stormers’ loose trio remains unchanged, providing stability in the forward pack, while captain Salmaan Moerat will lead the side alongside Ruben van Heerden in the second row.
Up front, seasoned props Frans Malherbe and Sti Sithole are set to face the Bulls’ scrum as they fill the shoes of their injured teammates.
Director of Rugby John Dobson reflected on the challenges ahead, saying these derbies are always high-octane affairs.
“Playing at a packed DHL Stadium will elevate it on all fronts.”
“Playing at a packed DHL Stadium will elevate it on all fronts. We have lost some key players to injury, but we back the guys coming in and are looking forward to seeing what they can offer.”
Dobson is keen for all the players to rise to the occasion, especially given the passionate support they receive from their home fans.
Stormers Team
15 Warrick Gelant 14 Ben Loader 13 Wandisile Simelane 12 Dan du Plessis 11 Leolin Zas 10 Jurie Matthee 9 Stefan Ungerer 8 Evan Roos 7 Ben-Jason Dixon 6 Deon Fourie 5 Ruben van Heerden 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain) 3 Frans Malherbe 2 Joseph Dweba 1 Sti Sithole.
Bench: 16 André-Hugo Venter 17 Brok Harris 18 Sazi Sandi 19 Gary Porter 20 Marcel Theunissen 21 Herschel Jantjies 22 Jonathan Roche 23 Clayton Blommetjies.