Stormers name two debutants for URC opener

Stormers name two debutants for URC opener

Stormers coach John Dobson has emphasised the need to start their United Rugby Championship defence on a strong note as he named two debutants in his line-up for their opener against Connacht.

With football on an international break, Stellenbosch FC's home ground Danie Craven Stadium is set to welcome the Western Cape-based side as they open their 2022/23 campaign against the Irish outfit on Saturday afternoon (14:30 kick-off).

Full-back Clayton Blommetjies and young centre Suleiman Hartzenberg will be making their Stormers debuts after joining the team in the off-season, with Ernst van Rhyn captaining the side.

"We have seen the likes of Clayton, Suleiman and some of the others show some real promise in our pre-season and it will be good to see how they react on Saturday," Dobson was quoted as saying on the Stormers' website.

"We have got an exciting blend of youth and experience, along with more than a few players who really stepped up for us consistently last season.

"The players can™t wait to get going again and we know how important it will be to make a strong start this week, especially as we are playing in a rugby-mad place like Stellenbosch on what should be a great day for it."

The match will precede the Western Province Rugby Football Union Super League A and B Finals to be played directly after at the same venue.

DHL Stormers: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 3 Brok Harris, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Replacements: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Adré Smith, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Willie Engelbrecht, 22 Godlen Masimla, 23 Sacha Mngomezulu.

By Web Admin