John Dobson backs prop Ntuthuko Mchunu to become a star player for Springboks

After 16 rounds of action, the Cape Town-based outfit are setting the pace atop the URC standings with 56 points amassed.

That is one point more than second-placed Glasgow Warriors while the Lions and Leinster are in joint-third position on 53 points with two rounds of action left in the regular season.

The Stormers are set to face Ulster at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Friday before travelling to Wales to take on Cardiff on May 15 in their last encounter before the play-offs.

Despite having big boots to fill when he was bought from the Sharks as a replacement for double Rugby World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff, who was forced into retirement due to a serious neck injury last year, loosehead prop Mchunu has been one of the Stormers' best players during their 2025/26 URC campaign.

Mchunu was at the forefront of the Stormers' onslaught in recent weeks and delivered outstanding performances in his side's 33-24 defeat to Connacht and their 48-12 triumph over Glasgow Warriors.

Apart from doing well in the execution of his core duties - especially in the scrum - Mchunu's general play has also been superb as he shone in attack and defence.

His attacking play was rewarded with a well-taken try against Connacht before he crossed the whitewash twice against Glasgow and his overall performance in the latter encounter was rewarded with the official man-of-the-match award after the game.

The 27-year-old made the move to the Stormers to receive more game-time as he was behind first-choice Springboks loosehead prop Ox Nche in the pecking order at the Sharks.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson feels Mchunu can make a similar impact for the Springboks in the international arena later this year.

"He's going to be pushing for much higher honours," said Dobson. "He's a different individual. His general play is good and I can't see how he doesn't suit our team.

"Since he's come here, I think (Stormers scrum coach) Brok Harris is another unsung hero, and our scrum culture is so strong.

"I think he's going to be a star for South African rugby for some time to come."

Dobson revealed that despite only making three appearances for South Africa since making his Test debut against Wales in 2022, the Springboks rookie's exploits for the Stormers has led to interest from overseas clubs in his services.

"His general game, especially his ball-carrying, is outstanding," he said.

"There are lots of people overseas who like him, so we'll have to see if we can ward off that threat."

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