Ruhan returns for reshuffled Stormers

Ruhan Nel will lead a new-look Stormers 23 for their final game before the November break against Ulster at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Nel, who has missed the last two matches for the Stormers due to a calf niggle, starts at outside centre alongside Jonathan Roche.

Director of rugby John Dobson has made 10 changes and one positional switch across the pack and backline from last week’s 52-40 win over the Scarlets in Cape Town.

Warrick Gelant, Hacjivah Dayimani and Lukhanyo Vokozela have, according to a Stormers statement, all been ruled out due to concussion this week.

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Damian Willemse will wear the No 15 jersey, Evan Roos shifts from blindside flank to the back of the scrum, with Louw Nel coming into the starting XV.

Cobus Reinach and Yaqeen Ahmed link up at halfback, JD Schickerling and Adré Smith start in the second row, while last week’s Man of the Match Haashim Pead and loose forward Wandile Mlaba are set to make an impact off the bench.

In the front row, Springbok props Wilco Louw and Ntuthuko Mchunu pack down either side of Vernon Paulo.

The recently re-signed Bongi Mbonambi is lined up for his return as a replacement. He joins Vernon Matongo, Neethling Fouché, Riley Norton, Connor Evans and Wandisile Simelane in a 6-2 split on the wood.

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The Ulstermen arrived in Cape Town still chasing their first win of the URC season. The Stormers sit fifth and have not lost at home in three matches.

The 13th-placed visitors fell 34-26 to the Bulls last week and are missing eight players who have linked up with Ireland ahead of next month’s Nations Championship. The clubs last met in Belfast in May, where they drew 38-38.

“There are many changes, but every player coming in bar the vastly experienced Bongi Mbonambi has already played an important role for us this season,” Dobson said.

“It will take a big effort to end this phase of the season with a fourth straight win at home.

“After this match we go into a four-week break, so you can expect to see them leave it all out there on Saturday.”

STORMERS – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images