Stormers unleash returning Boks in URC derby against Sharks

Scrumhalf Haashim Pead is set to make his Stormers debut off the replacements bench in a match-day squad which includes 11 Springboks in total.

The Stormers will run out in their new black kit - a throwback to the iconic 1999 Men in Black campaign - for kick-off at 16:00 on Saturday.

There are three changes to the backline, with Damian Willemse at fullback and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu linking up with Cobus Reinach at halfback. Pead and Wandisile Simelane are the two backs among the replacements.

In the front row, Wilco Louw is set to earn his first Stormers cap since 2020, while Deon Fourie provides hooker cover and will sit alongside props Neethling Fouche and Vernon Matongo on the bench.

Lock Adre Smith comes into the starting line-up for the first time this season, while in the loose trio Paul de Villiers makes his return, which sees Siya Kolisi move to blindside flank. Evan Roos and Riley Norton feature on a replacements bench that is certain to add plenty of momentum in the second half.

Director of Rugby John Dobson said that the first home match of the season at DHL Stadium promises to be a classic.

"It is fantastic to be able to name a team like this which is full of exceptional talents, from Deon Fourie with 141 Stormers caps through to Haashim Pead who makes his first appearance for us," he told the Stormers' website.

"It has been really encouraging to see the way the players returning from national duty have stepped up this week and added immensely to our preparations. It was a tough team to select with many quality players missing out.

"This weekend we also play our first match in the new Men in Black kit, which is a great nod to our past and something which resonates deeply with our fans.

"It is going to be a fantastic occasion at DHL Stadium on Saturday, beyond the rugby which will be typically intense. We hope that our fans come out in their numbers to enjoy every moment with us."

Stormers - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

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