Roos Equals Vermeulen Record As Stormers Shuffle Backline For Ulster Trip

Deon Fourie will captain the Stormers in the absence of injured skipper Ruhan Nel for their Round 17 United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster Rugby in Belfast on Friday night.

The experienced Fourie will earn his 140th Stormers cap and lead the side in a crucial fixture, which kicks off at 20:45 SAST at the Kingspan Stadium.

There is also a notable milestone for Evan Roos, who will equal Duane Vermeulen’s record for the most starts in the Stormers No. 8 jersey as he makes his 73rd start at the back of the scrum.

Fourie and Roos are joined in the loose trio by Ben-Jason Dixon, while Paul de Villiers, Hacjivah Dayimani, and Keke Morabe are all set to make an impact off the bench.

Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith continue in the second row, while Sazi Sandi joins Springboks André-Hugo Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu in the front row.

Oli Kebble, Zachary Porthen, and Connor Evans are included among the replacements, while Fourie will also provide hooker cover if required.

In the backline, Dan du Plessis shifts to outside centre in place of the injured Nel, who misses out with a calf injury. Damian Willemse moves to inside centre, while Warrick Gelant returns to the starting line-up at fullback.

The only other change in the backline sees Imad Khan start at scrumhalf in place of the injured Cobus Reinach. Stefan Ungerer and Jurie Matthee provide backline cover among the replacements.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said his side will need to perform for the full 80 minutes against a competitive Ulster team.

“We have been forced to make a few changes, but we are excited about what this team can do, and we know it will take the best from us to get the win,” he said.

“As we get closer to the playoffs, the stakes get higher every week, and this is a crucial match in the context of our season.”

Stormers Starting XV

15. Warrick Gelant
16. Wandisile Simelane
17. Dan du Plessis
18. Damian Willemse
19. Leolin Zas
20. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
21. Imad Khan
22. Evan Roos
23. Ben-Jason Dixon
24. Deon Fourie (captain)
25. Ruben van Heerden
26. Adré Smith
27. Sazi Sandi
28. André-Hugo Venter
29. Ntuthuko Mchunu

Replacements

16. Paul de Villiers
17. Oli Kebble
18. Zachary Porthen
19. Connor Evans
20. Hacjivah Dayimani
21. Keke Morabe
22. Stefan Ungerer
23. Jurie Matthee