Five Stormers players who could hold the key to first URC win in Edinburgh

Siya Kolisi

The Springbok captain adds much-needed impetus in the No 6 jersey on the side of the scrum. His expertise at the attacking breakdown, carries in the wider channels and calm demeanour should complement the Cape side as he marks his first match since joining from the Sharks.

Much will be expected from Kolisi as he looks to inspire the next generation of players alongside him. But the Stormers will be wary of putting too much responsibility on his shoulders. They have enough leaders to allow Kolisi to find his feet against a tough loose trio of Edinburgh.

Neethling Fouché

While things went smoothly at set-piece time, the battle between tighthead Fouché and Edinburgh loosehead, South African Pierre Schoeman, could turn into a fiery one. The Stormers will look to make the scrums their main weapon of enforcement alongside the rolling mauls, and if Fouché keeps Schoeman in check, it will set them up nicely.

The mini battle between the two former UP Tuks players will be interesting, and supporters can expect a bit of niggle between the duo as they look to gain the upper hand in the scrums and out of the referee’s eye.

JD Schickerling

While his carries and defensive work will be crucial, it’s in the lineouts where Schickerling will be critical for the Stormers. They laid a platform against Connacht with some brilliant rolling mauls, and he was at the centre of plenty of lineout jumps that brought good ball possession.

It’s a pity Edinburgh’s best are not available to give Schickerling a tough time, with injuries depleting their squad. However, that won’t stop the Stormers lock from asserting his dominance against the hosts. His stopping power with his tackles and ruck work to secure clean ball possession will be vital too.

André-Hugo Venter

It’s time for the hooker to back up his stellar display of last weekend. He was the fire in the Stormers team and led with his inspired performance. Now, the Springbok hooker must show that he can do it two weekends in a row and that this was not just a once-off thing.

Yes, it’s always difficult to back up a good game with another. However, for his Bok chances later in the year, that all-round display in the lineouts, on defence and with the ball under the arm can only put him firmly on the radar of Rassie Erasmus and his management.

Yaqeen Ahmed

The flyhalf will be thrown in the deep end after an injury to the more senior Jurie Matthee, with no international reinforcements joining the Stormers in Scotland for their final tour match. So, it’s an ideal opportunity for the young Ahmed to show the ice in his veins when he steps onto the 4G turf of Hive Stadium.

His calmness will be put under immense pressure by a good defence, and how he copes with that could unlock the door for his attacking abilities to come through. The Cape side didn’t get too many opportunities to run with the ball last weekend, but Ahmed could be the player to ignite their attack against Edinburgh.