The DHL Stormers have named an exciting, new-look team for their Investec Champions Cup encounter against Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday. The match will mark the return of Salmaan Moerat, who will captain the side in his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury.
Moerat’s leadership will be crucial in a squad featuring five debutants, as the Stormers balance experienced campaigners with emerging talent for this high-profile fixture in London.
Moerat Returns to Lead the Pack
Moerat’s comeback provides a massive boost for the Stormers’ forward unit. The towering lock will partner Connor Evans in the second row, with Evans also returning from injury. Their combination brings much-needed stability to the tight five.
The front row features Vernon Matongo, who will make his first start for the Stormers at loosehead prop. He is joined by hooker JJ Kotze and tighthead Sazi Sandi, forming a front-row trio eager to make an impact in the scrums and open play.
Louw Nel and Dave Ewers will start on the flanks, while Willie Engelbrecht will pack down at No. 8, rounding out a well-balanced back row that combines physicality and mobility.
Fresh Faces and Key Players in the Backline
In the backline, the Stormers welcome back Clayton Blommetjies at fullback after his spell on the sidelines. He is joined by a pacey wing duo of Seabelo Senatla and Angelo Davids, providing serious attacking threat on the edges.
Wandisile Simelane moves into the outside centre role, pairing up with Jean-Luc du Plessis, who will start at inside centre. The midfield combination will look to strike a balance between creativity and defensive solidity against a dangerous Harlequins backline.
The halfback pairing sees Jurie Matthee at flyhalf and Stefan Ungerer at scrumhalf, as the duo aims to control the game’s tempo while keeping the attack fluid.
Exciting Young Talent on the Bench
The Stormers’ bench is packed with eager debutants, ready to make their mark. Tighthead prop Corne Weilbach, flanker Paul de Villiers, centre Jonathan Roche, and utility back JC Mars are all set to earn their first Stormers caps if they are called upon.
Among the replacements, experienced scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage offers leadership, while lock Gary Porter and front-row options Andre-Hugo Venter and Leon Lyons provide extra depth in the forwards.
Director of Rugby John Dobson is confident in the squad’s ability to rise to the challenge despite the number of new combinations.
“This team has a good mix of youth and experience, and what stands out is how hungry they are to perform,” Dobson said. “They’ve been training together in preparation for this match, and we’re excited to see how they step up on the big stage this weekend.”
Full Matchday Squad
Starting XV:
15. Clayton Blommetjies
14. Angelo Davids
13. Wandisile Simelane
12. Jean-Luc du Plessis
11. Seabelo Senatla
10. Jurie Matthee
9. Stefan Ungerer
8. Willie Engelbrecht
7. Louw Nel
6. Dave Ewers
5. Connor Evans
4. Salmaan Moerat (captain)
3. Sazi Sandi
2. JJ Kotze
1. Vernon Matongo
Replacements:
16. Andre-Hugo Venter
17. Leon Lyons
18. Corne Weilbach
19. Gary Porter
20. Paul de Villiers
21. Dewaldt Duvenage
22. Jonathan Roche
23. JC Mars
With several key players returning from injury and five debutants ready to prove themselves, the Stormers enter this clash with a sense of excitement and determination. While facing Harlequins in London is no easy task, the blend of established veterans and rising stars makes this an intriguing contest.
The Stormers will be aiming to showcase their depth, execute their game plan efficiently, and make a statement in the Champions Cup. Fans can expect a hard-fought encounter, with plenty of attacking flair and forward dominance on display.
