The Stormers are gearing up for a crucial Champions Cup match against Sale Sharks, with the return of key players adding depth to their squad. Wing Ben Loader, prop Sti Sithole, and loose forward Evan Roos are back in the mix for the Stormers as they look to secure a much-needed win at Cape Town Stadium.
Lock JD Schickerling is also set to reach a milestone, as he is poised to play his 50th game for the team. The Stormers are currently at the bottom of pool 4, with losses to Toulon and Harlequins leaving them with no points in the competition. Coach Norman Laker emphasized the importance of every match now being treated like a playoff game.
In the lineup announced by director of rugby John Dobson, there are changes in the midfield pairing, with Wandisle Simelane and Jonathan Roche taking the field alongside Loader on the wing. Loader is stepping in for the injured Seabelo Senatla, while Roche replaces Ruhan Nel. Sithole returns from injury to start in the front row, alongside hooker JJ Kotze and blindside flanker Dave Ewers. Roos, who is back from injury, will provide support from the bench.
Dobson expressed confidence in the team’s ability to give their all in this must-win game. He highlighted the impact that returning players like Loader, Sithole, and Roos can make against a physical Sale Sharks side. The Stormers are looking to build on their recent wins in the United Rugby Championship and are focused on delivering a strong performance with the support of their home crowd.
The Stormers recognize the need to match Sale’s physicality and have been training to dominate in the scrums and mauls. Forward Marcel Theunissen emphasized the importance of every player stepping up and winning the physical battle on the field. The team is determined to put in the hard work during the week and bring that intensity to the game on Saturday.
The Stormers XV for the match includes Warrick Gelant, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Ben Loader, Manie Libbok, Stefan Ungerer, Marcel Theunissen, Dave Ewers, Deon Fourie, JD Schickerling, Salmaan Moerat as captain, Frans Malherbe, JJ Kotze, and Sti Sithole. The replacements feature Andre-Hugo Venter, Ali Vermaak, Neethling Fouché, Ruben van Heerden, Evan Roos, Paul de Villiers, Paul de Wet, and Jean-Luc du Plessis.
The Stormers are ready to put their best foot forward and secure a vital victory in their Champions Cup campaign. With a strong lineup and determination to match Sale Sharks’ physicality, they are poised to make a statement on the field.
