Stormers bolster pack for Pumas battle

Coach Tom Dawson-Squibb has made five changes to the Stormers XXIII’s starting lineup for Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against the Pumas in Nelspruit.

Four of the changes come in the forward pack, with props Mhleli Khuzwayo and Herman Lubbe, and loose forwards Wandile Mlaba and Keke Morabe coming in.

In the only backline change, wing Joel Leotlela makes his first appearance of the season, in place of Suleiman Hartzenberg, who picked up a minor injury against the Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

JC Mars is included on the bench, providing backline cover along with halfbacks Ezekiel Ngobeni and Kyle Smith.

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“We are very happy to have the likes of Wandi, Keke and Herman back in the starting lineup after featuring in the match against New Zealand last week, and we expect them to add some grunt up front,” said Dawson-Squibb.

“It is always tough to go to Mbombela Stadium, and we will need to be on the money throughout to secure the win, but it is a challenge that we are looking forward to.”

STORMERS XXIII – 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Cornel Smit, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis (c), 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Keke Morabe, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Mhleli Khuzwayo.
Bench: 16 Altus Rabe, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Luan Botha, 20 Xola Nyali, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Kyle Smith, 23 JC Mars.

Weekend teams

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images