Stormers shake up starting team for crucial URC clash with Dragons ahead of playoffs

THE Stormers want to expand their player capacity ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs while maintaining the momentum of the last two games.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

That is why director of rugby John Dobson decided on strategic positional changes for Saturday’s clash with the Dragons in Cape Town (6.15pm kick-off). While they are expecting a wet game, which could change their game plan slightly, they have largely stuck with the backline that ran Benetton to shreds a couple of weeks ago.

Outside centre Wandisile Simelane and winger Ben Loader will get some game time. It is to ensure if they are needed by the knockouts, they’ve had some playing minutes under their belt. That’s the only change amongst the backs. Up front, Vernon Matongo gets a start at loosehead, while Bok hooker Joseph Dweba is back in the middle of the scrum.

The expectation was for Manie Libbok to be involved in the game, but Dobson confirmed that the Bok flyhalf hasn’t received the green light to play, although he has been training with the team.

“God-willing we will be going to the playoffs and we need to have 28 or 29 players ready and we didn’t want to disrespect the Dragons by selecting extra players now,” Dobson explained his changes.