Stormers receive Warrick Gelant boost ahead of upcoming Sharks clash

Gelant missed out on the impressive win over his former team the Bulls last weekend through injury with Damian Willemse shifting from 12 to 15 for that clash.

The 12 channel has had several different occupants this season with Sacha Feinburg-Mngomezulu, Jean-Luc du Plessis and Willemse all filling in at inside centre.

The position receives a boost as last season's regular starter Dan du Plessis has been declared fit. The 28-year-old was sensational last season and was typified by hard running and brilliant ball skills.

For head coach John Dobson injuries are part of the game and it is more about embracing the opportunity for other players to put their hand up.

Dobson is excited to have the two backline stars back and feels the slow start to the season is just about behind the team now.

"We said that the thing about this team is, [the injuries] didn't bother us. I mean that in the best way," Dobson said.

"What gives me real excitement is that now, we can throw in a Dan du Plessis and Warrick Gelant into the mix. We will have a few more back in January.

"We have sort of punched our way through our darkest hour in Cardiff and put together three really compelling performances, showing that we are a really class team of international standard."

With the Bulls ticked off at home the next challenge is a Sharks side coming off a painful loss to the Cheetahs in the Challenge Cup last time out.

It is taking a while for the side to find their feet with head coach John Plumtree's game model but form often goes out of the window for a derby clash and with the power within the Sharks squad they could pose a big challenge for the Stormers.

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