Injury-hit Stormers aim to tame champions Leinster

THE Stormers will take on Leinster with a few untested combinations in their United Rugby Championship opener in Cape Town — a pressure-cooker season opener for the hosts.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

For the first time in a couple of seasons, they begin their campaign at home. However, a number of injuries to key players mean tonight's 7pm clash becomes an even tougher challenge.

Director of Rugby John Dobson confirmed that the six-two split on the bench was due to the unavailability of backline cover. Injuries have forced the selection of youth in the front row and led to Wandisile Simelane starting at fullback for the first time.

Simelane was originally meant to start in the No 13 jersey alongside new captain Ruhan Nel but agreed to shift to fullback. Nel will now rekindle his midfield partnership with Dan du Plessis. While the centres and wingers are all URC title winners, the halfback pairing of Stefan Ungerer and flyhalf Jurie Matthee remains untested.