United Rugby Championship Preview: DHL Stormers vs Connacht
Saturday, 16:00 | DHL Stadium, Cape Town
The stakes are sky-high as the DHL Stormers return to Cape Town for a pivotal United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Irish outfit Connacht on Saturday.
With just four rounds remaining in the league phase, both sides find themselves in a fierce scrap for playoff qualification — making this match a virtual must-win in the context of their respective campaigns.
Playoff Push Heats Up
The Stormers currently sit just inside the top eight, but their position is far from secure. With four consecutive home games to close out the regular season, John Dobson’s side has a golden opportunity to solidify their place in the knockout stages — starting with a crucial result against Connacht.
“We literally running out of runway and if we don’t make the play-offs it will be regarded as a staggering under achievement,” warned Dobson when questioned about the importance of winning Saturday’s game.
“It has been more than two months since we played at home and we are really excited to see what this team can do on Saturday.
“We have got some key players back in the mix and the build-up has been good. We understand just how important this run of games is in the context of our season and will be going all-out to make our supporters proud,” he added
Connacht, meanwhile, have had a mixed run of form and hover on the edge of the playoff spots. A win in Cape Town would be a statement performance and a massive boost in their push to finish in the top eight.
Stormers bolstered by returnees
The Stormers have been given a significant boost with the return of key players including Warrick Gelant and Seabelo Senatla, while Damian Willemse shifts into the midfield to accommodate the returning duo.
In the pack, Ruben van Heerden brings up his 50th cap for the franchise, partnering returning captain Salmaan Moerat in the second row. There’s also a first URC start for young openside Paul de Villiers.
Northern Ireland , United Kingdom – 28 March 2025; Ruben van Heerden of DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and DHL Stormers at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. (Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Notably, Springbok World Cup-winning veteran Deon Fourie is named on the bench. The 37-year-old’s leadership and breakdown expertise could prove invaluable in the closing stages.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who wears the No.10 jersey, is relishing the responsibility in this decisive stretch:
“We know exactly what’s at stake. It’s exciting more than anything. To be back at DHL Stadium, playing in front of our fans, with some of our big guns returning — it just lifts the whole vibe,” he said.
“Connacht are a tough, well-coached side. But this is our turf, and we want to build real momentum through this home stretch.”
Stormers’ Lineup and Key Players
The Stormers have made several changes to their starting lineup:
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Warrick Gelant and Seabelo Senatla return from injury, with Damian Willemse shifting to the midfield alongside Dan du Plessis.
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Stefan Ungerer starts at scrumhalf, and Paul de Villiers makes his first start at openside flank.
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Ruben van Heerden will earn his 50th cap for the Stormers, partnering Salmaan Moerat in the second row.
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In the front row, André-Hugo Venter starts at hooker, and Sazi Sandi at tighthead, replacing the suspended Neethling Fouché and injured Frans Malherbe.
Connacht’s Squad and Absentees
Connacht will be without several key players:
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Bundee Aki is sidelined due to a hamstring injury
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Mack Hansen is also unavailable, recovering from an ankle injury.
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Jack Carty captains the side, with Caolin Blade at scrumhalf.
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The back row features Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver, and Sean Jansen.
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In the second row, Joe Joyce partners Niall Murray.
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The front row comprises Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, and Finlay Bealham.
Connacht injury Setbacks but still dangerous
Connacht have made the trip to South Africa without several key figures, including Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, and Finlay Bealham. The absence of Aki, in particular, leaves a major hole in midfield, while Hansen’s pace out wide will also be sorely missed.
Despite the absentees, Connacht still field a competitive XV led by Jack Carty, with in-form players like Caolin Blade and Cian Prendergast looking to upset the odds.
Coach Pete Wilkins admitted the challenge is steep but believes in the resilience of his squad:
“We know this tour is a big test, especially with the Stormers at home and some of our top players out. But we’ve built depth and trust in this group. Saturday’s match is a chance for others to step up.”
What to expect
With Connacht undermanned and the Stormers finally back in familiar surroundings, the hosts will be confident. However, Connacht have built a reputation for grit and tenacity — and they won’t go down without a scrap.
Expect a fast-paced, physical battle with playoff implications at every ruck. For the Stormers, it’s about protecting home turf. For Connacht, it’s about survival and stealing vital points on the road.
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Broadcast: SuperSport Rugby, URC TV
DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Brok Harris, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Louw Nel, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Ben Loader.
Connacht: 15 Piers O’Conor, 14 Chay Mullins, 13 David Hawkshaw, 12 Cathal Forde, 11 Shane Jennings, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Ben Murphy, 8 Paul Boyle, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Cian Prendergast (captain), 5 Darragh Murray, 4 Oisin Dowling, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dylan Tierney-Martin, 1 Peter Dooley.
Replacements: 16 Dave Heffernan, 17 Jordan Duggan, 18 Jack Aungier, 19 Josh Murphy, 20 Joe Joyce, 21 Matthew Devine, 22 Santiago Cordero, 23 Sean Jansen.
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa) & Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
