Stormers shuffle pack for Munster clash

There are four changes to the DHL Stormers starting forward pack for the Vodacom URC encounter with Munster in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Stormers’ first home game of the season is against the Irish team and kicks off at 6pm on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium.

Prop Sti Sithole and hooker Joseph Dweba come back into the starting line-up, while lock Adre Smith makes his first start of the season with JD Schickerling in the No 5 jersey and Ruben van Heerden set to make an impact in the second half in a rotational switch.

Marcel Theunissen starts at openside flank, with loose forwards Dave Ewers and Louw Nel both among the replacements.

The only change to the backline sees Suleiman Hartzenberg back on the right wing, while Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies makes his return from injury on a bench which also features flyhalf Jurie Matthee.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that his team is looking forward to playing in front of their supporters for the first time this season.

“We were disappointed with the way our tour ended last week, so this is a great opportunity to respond with a big performance at home.

There are some rotational changes and it is fantastic to welcome Herschel back into the mix. We are back in front of our fans at DHL Stadium and it is vital that we make the most of the support we know we will get here,” he said.

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis (c), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Keke Morabe, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Marcel Theunissen, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Sti Sithole.
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Jurie Matthee.