Springbok stars return for Stormers for URC tour matches in Wales, Northern Ireland
The Cape franchise has been boosted by the return of Springboks stars Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu from lengthy injury layoffs while lock Connor Evans and wing Suleiman Hartzenberg have also recovered from their injuries and have been included in the squad.
FILE: Stormers' supporters wave flags during a match at the Cape Town Stadium. Picture: RODGER BOSCH/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The Stormers have named a 30-man squad for their two-match tour of Wales and Northern Ireland where they’ll play United Rugby Championship (URC) matches against Scarlets and Ulster, respectively.
The Cape franchise has been boosted by the return of Springboks stars Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu from lengthy injury layoffs while lock Connor Evans and wing Suleiman Hartzenberg have also recovered from their injuries and have been included in the squad.
There are six rounds of fixtures remaining this season and the Stormers are currently in 12th place on the table but within touching distance of the playoff positions. The 2022 champions have never failed to reach the knockout phase of the competition, and the return of their key playmakers will be vital as they push for a spot in the top eight.
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman underscored the importance of Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu to their team.
"Obviously, they’re classy rugby players and every time they’re on the field you can just see it. They bring a presence, they bring a big difference and it’s not just on the field, it’s off the field as well. So, we’re really excited to have them in the squad again," Snyman said.
The presence of Springbok flank Ben-Jason Dixon will be missed for the upcoming games as he is set to undergo wrist surgery, while scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer is nursing a groin injury. Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche has been given time off as he expects the birth of his second child this week.
The Stormers haven’t had the best of times on their travels, having won just four of their overseas games so far this season, and these next two matches could prove to be make-or-break encounters. Director of Rugby, John Dobson, understands that it is vital for his team to collect as many points on the road as possible before coming home to finish the league phase of the season with four consecutive home games.
"This tour is crucial in the context of our campaign; we want to take some good momentum into the home run which starts in April. It is fantastic to welcome back a few key players, and they are all keen to make a big impression," Dobson said.
Stormers touring squad:
Forwards: Joseph Dweba, Willie Engelbrecht, Connor Evans, Dave Ewers, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat (captain), Gary Porter, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Sti Sithole, Marcel Theunissen, Ruben van Heerden, André-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak.
Backs: Luke Burger, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Dewaldt Duvenage, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Warrick Gelant, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Herschel Jantjies, Ben Loader, Jurie Matthee, Wandisile Simelane, Damian Willemse, Leolin Zas.