Cape Town – As reported by The Athlete on Tuesday coach John Dobson has made several injury enforced changes to the Stormers side.
Dobson describes Saturday’s much anticipated Vodacom URC clash against the Vodacom Bulls at Cape Town Stadium as a ” high-octane affair.”
According to Dobson, the ninth edition of the North-South-Derby between the Stormers and Jake White’s Bulls team is set to be a massive spectacle in the context of South African rugby.
This rivalry has always been a high-intensity affair, and with the stakes as high as ever, it promises to be an exhilarating encounter.
Stormers head coach John Dobson has acknowledged the magnitude of the match, emphasizing the pride and responsibility the team feels, especially when playing in front of their passionate home crowd at the iconic Cape Town Stadium.
The game represents far more than just another regular-season contest; it is an opportunity to prove their mettle in South Africa’s most fiercely contested derby.
“The enormity of these games is never lost on us,” Dobson said.
“These are high-octane affairs that always demand the best from both teams. Playing in front of a packed Cape Town Stadium will only elevate the atmosphere and add to the intensity.
“We know what it means for the fans, and we can’t wait to put in a performance that they will be proud of.”
The Stormers will be looking to put on a powerful showing, despite some key injuries.
With Manie Libbok and Paul de Wet sidelined, coach Dobson has called upon Stefan Ungerer and Jurie Matthee to take up the halfback duties.
Wandisile Simelane Pic: The Stormers
Dan du Plessis, who has been out with a knee injury since late November, returns to partner Wandisile Simelane (pictured above) in the midfield.
In the pack, the inclusion of experienced players like Springboks Frans Malherbe and the dynamic Bok loose-forward trio of Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Deon Fourie gives the Stormers the kind of physicality and aggression they need.
Skipper Salmaan Moerat will once again lead the forward pack, joining Ruben van Heerden in the engine room.
The bench will also provide crucial depth, with lock Gary Porter set for only his second appearance of the season, along with Andre-Hugo Venter, Marcel Theunissen, Herschel Jantjies, Jonathan Roche, and Clayton Blommetjies, all of whom will be ready to make their mark.
Despite the challenges, Dobson remains confident in his team’s abilities, expressing his belief in the players stepping up to fill the gaps left by the injured stars.
“We’ve lost some key players, but we have full trust in those coming in,” Dobson remarked.
“We know they are capable of making a difference. We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from our fans, and we are determined to repay them with a top performance on Saturday.”
Meanwhile Bulls mentor Jake White has selected veteran Springbok fullback Willie le Roux (98 cap) at flyhalf for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
The highly versatile Le Roux, who is known for his playmaking abilities, could be the key player in the Bulls chances of beating the Cape side in the shadow of Table Mountain for the first time in the URC.
The Stormers will aim to continue their strong season, keeping their place atop the South African Shield while taking on one of the most fiercely competitive teams in the URC.
STORMERS – 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 (c), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Sti Sithole.
Bench: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Gary Porter, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Jonathan Roche, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Willie le Roux, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johann Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Bench: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Vermaak, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Sebastian de Klerk
Date: Saturday, February 8
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Green Point
Kick-off: 14.00; 12.00 GMT
Referee: Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa), Sean Muller (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
