Stormers seek benefits of continuity against Lions

The Stormers starting line-up for the United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions at DHL Stadium on Saturday features just one change.

One change for the Stormers

Neethling Fouche will start at tightead prop in place of the injured Frans Malherbe in the only change for the South African derby, which kicks off at 19:00 on New Year’s Eve.

Hooker Andre-Hugo Venter and props Brok Harris and Sazi Sandi have been included among the replacements for the encounter with the Johannesburg side.

Gates at DHL Stadium will open at 16h00, so get there early and avoid the traffic to make the most of your New Year’s Eve with us.

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John Dobson thrilled with continuity

Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that it is fantastic to have such continuity in selection for what is a key match.

“We were obviously pleased with the result last week in front of what was an incredible crowd at DHL Stadium. He added: “We feel that with a bit more time together, these combination can perform even better.

“We have challenged the players to end the year on a high and reward the fans who come out to watch us on New Year’s Eve.

“These derby games are so important for our standing in the South African Shield, so we want to make another step-up this weekend,” he said.

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Stormers team

Stormers starting XV: 15 Damian Willemse. 14 Angelo Davids. 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg. 12 Dan du Plessis. 11 Leolin Zas. 10 Manie Libbok. 9 Paul de Wet. 8 Hacjivah Dayimani. 7 Willie Engelbrecht. 6 Deon Fourie. 5 Marvin Orie. 4 Ben-Jason Dixon. 3 Neethling Fouche. 2 Joseph Dweba. 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).

Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Junior Pokomela, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Godlen Masimla, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.