This afternoon, the Stormers are set to turn their fortunes around as they confront three-time European champions Toulon in the European Champions Cup at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
After a challenging start to the domestic season, the Stormers are acutely aware that success in this prestigious knockout competition is crucial.
Some of these opening match ups 😮💨
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 6, 2024
Which battles are you most excited for?#InvestecChampionsCup Round 1 line-ups ⬇️
Following last year's remarkable performance, where they reached the playoffs despite a daunting fixture list, they recognised the need to secure victories at home, starting with today’s clash (5:15 pm start).
For the Cape side, another win against a feared French powerhouse could pave the way toward a fruitful campaign. Last season they toppled La Rochelle on their way to making the knockouts.
“Once you lose a home game in this competition, you are practically gone.”
“They are an immense team and we expect a challenging battle,” said Director of Rugby John Dobson, while highlighting the formidable presence of Toulon's forwards.
“We will have a full-go at home. If we get the win, we will be up and running in the tournament. Once you lose a home game in this competition, you are practically gone.”
Our team for the Round One Investec Champions Cup clash with RC Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) December 6, 2024
📢 Team announcement https://t.co/7nxqfsnZ8B
🎟️ Tickets here https://t.co/TSxWo4c6mb#STOvRCT #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/Bddg5u64Mx
The Stormers have made tactical adjustments, strengthening their pack of forwards with a six-two replacement bench strategy. This necessitated a robust front row consisting of hooker Joseph Dweba, in his 50th cap, alongside props Neethling Fouche, who takes the captaincy armband, and Ali Vermaak.
With a 'significant' injury list limiting their options, Dobson acknowledged the daunting test that lies ahead against Toulon's formidable internationals.
Big @josephdweba2 will earn his 50th DHL Stormers cap when he runs out at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend. #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/USQYa7XA26
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) December 6, 2024
“I think we have about six props out. Brok Harris tweaked a hamstring, while Frans Malherbe, Sti Sithole, and Lizo Gqoboka are all unavailable. It will be a test for the props, but they went well last week scrum-wise. Leon (Lyons, loosehead replacement) and Sazi (Sandi, tighthead cover) will have a job on their hands when they come on,” he elaborated.
The Stormers will also see the return of loose forward Willie Engelbrecht, who will play his 50th game for the club, teaming up with Springbok Ben-Jason Dixon and Keke Morabe in a dynamic loose trio. The halfback pairing of Manie Libbok and Paul de Wet marks a shift aimed at increasing tempo in their play, as Dobson expressed his desire for a faster-paced game.
“Stefan Ungerer played well last week, but he is more of a general and we want to play with speed and tempo. Paul is very good with that. But the scumhalf change is also largely rotational.”
“Those two are a threat to us.”
Dobson also warned about Toulon’s halfbacks former French international Baptiste Serin and former Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar. It will be an interesting battle between Biggar and Libbok.
“The game management and tactical play of Biggar (Dan), with his superb kicking, we know about. When Baptiste played for France those years, he was unbelievable. He is Toulon’s game-driver. He gives good service, has that X-factor, can catch you off guard with quick taps and there is no question he is world-class. Those two are a threat to us.”
For the first time in 19 months, Seabelo Senatla will play rugby for the DHL Stormers this weekend in the #InvestecChampionsCup 💙👏 pic.twitter.com/JbsiHAC8Lf
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) December 6, 2024
With captain Dan du Plessis sidelined due to injury, Jean-Luc du Plessis steps up in the midfield, bringing both a powerful left-kicking boot and physicality essential for defending against Toulon's attackers.
Excitement also surrounds the inclusion of speedster Seabelo Senatla among the replacements, marking his first professional match since May 2023 after a serious injury.
Stormers XV: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Keke Morabe, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouche (captain), 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak. Bench: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Louw Nel, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Seabelo Senatla.