The DHL Stormers have been forced to make two changes as Deon Fourie has been ruled out of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final against Connacht on Saturday.
With Fourie and Marvin Orie ruled out, Willie Engelbrecht starts on the flank and Ben-Jason Dixon comes in at lock for the knock-out clash with Irish side Connacht, which kicks off at 4pm on Saturday in Cape Town.
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There are three new faces on the bench, namely lock Connor Evans, flank Marcel Theunissen and utility back Jean-Luc du Plessis.
“We are thrilled to be hosting another semi-final and with another big crowd coming out, we want to repay the incredible support we enjoy with a fitting performance,” said coach John Dobson.
“While it is disappointing not to have Deon and Marvin in the team, we have every confidence in the players who have come in, who have all proven their worth for us already this season.
“It will be another great occasion at DHL Stadium and we will be doing everything we can to make our supporters proud.”
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STORMERS — 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Willie Engelbrecht, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Ben-Jason Dixon, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Subs: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Two injury-enforced changes to our starting line-up for the @Vodacom #URC semifinal at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
? Team announcement https://t.co/ygd0dchhFE
?️ Tickets https://t.co/J9Dq7IoX52#STOvCON #iamastormer #dhldelivers #UnitedWeRise pic.twitter.com/thuzYun4Fa— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) May 12, 2023