Springbok lock Salmaan Moerat will captain the Stormers against Welsh side Dragons in Gqeberha on Saturday.
In the second row, Moerat is joined by fellow Springbok lock Marvin Orie, while flyhalf Manie Libbok and replacement loose forward Deon Fourie also return from national duty.
No. 8 Regular Evan Roos is out with a rib injury sustained on the Springboks’ year-end European tour. As a result, Hacjivah Dayimani will begin at No. 8.
Flankers Willie Engelbrecht and Nama Xaba join loosehead prop Kwenzo Blose in the starting lineup.
In the backline, Tristan Leyds makes his first appearance of the season at right wing, and outside centre Ruhan Nel returns from a pre-season injury.
Springbok Herschel Jantjies starts at scrumhalf alongside Libbok, with utility back Mnombo Zwelendaba set to make his Stormers debut from the bench.
Stormers’ John Dobson stated that they were excited to perform for fans in the Eastern Cape.
“We know the people of Gqeberha are very enthusiastic about our team, so we can’t wait to get out there and experience the atmosphere at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.”
“There have been a lot of changes, and we’re excited to see how the new players impact the game on Saturday,” Dobson said.
The Stormers are fourth in the URC standings after five wins in seven games, while the Dragons are 11th after three wins in eight.
The match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium begins at 14:00 on Saturday.
Stormers squad:
Clayton Blommetjies, 15 Tristan Leyds, 14 12 Dan du Plessis, 13 Ruhan Nel Leolin Zas, 11 Manie Libbok, 10 Herschel Jantjies, No. 9 Dayimani, 8 Hacjivah Willie Engelbrecht, 7, Xaba, Nama 6 Marvin Orie, No. 5 Salmaan Moerat (4th), Neethling Fouche (3rd), Joseph Dweba (2nd), and Kwenzo Blose (1st)
16 JJ Kotze, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Deon Fourie, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Kade Wolhuter, 23 Mnombo Zwelendaba are the substitutes.
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