The DHL Stormers will take the field at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday with a formidable array of national talent, as nine Springboks have been named in the starting lineup for theirInvestec Champions Cup clash against two-time champions Stade Rochelais.
The match, scheduled for 15:30, is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the pool stage, and the Stormers fresh off a 26–17 away win over Bayonne, are bolstering their ranks with returning stars.
You don't want to miss out on this one. Come watch Sacha and his teammates cook at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
Warrick Gelant’s recovery from illness restores stability and counter-attacking quality to the backfield. He is joined by wings Dylan Maart and Leolin Zas, who continue to offer pace and finishing ability. Damian Willemse has been rested due to a slight hamstring niggle but is expected to return next week.
The midfield sees experienced centre Ruhan Nel reunited with Jonathan Roche, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach form a halfback pairing capable of dictating tempo and territorial pressure.
Who else is looking forward to seeing this guy in action for us in Gqeberha this weekend?
Evan Roos, influential off the bench last week, returns to the No. 8 jersey. Alongside Ben-Jason Dixon and Paul de Villiers, the loose trio is expected to play a crucial role in both breakdown intensity and defensive organisation.
In the tight five, locks JD Schickerling and captain Salmaan Moerat provide continuity and lineout strength. André-Hugo Venter starts at hooker, flanked by Springbok props Ntuthuko Mchunu and Neethling Fouché.
The bench offers significant depth, with JJ Kotzé, Connor Evans, Ruan Ackermann, Imad Khan and Wandisile Simelane, all starters in Bayonne, joined by experienced forwards Oli Kebble, Sazi Sandi and Marcel Theunissen.
Director of Rugby John Dobson emphasised the challenge ahead:
“It was great to win away from home, but we have to back that up now and we know that it will take a big effort against a highly physical Stade Rochelais team. We always get such fantastic support in Gqeberha… we’re looking forward to a match with Test match intensity.
The final squad list will be officially confirmed by EPCR at 14:00 on Friday, with changes still permitted before the deadline.
Our team for the Investec Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais in Gqeberha on Saturday.
