Stormers make shock Siya Kolisi call just 3 weeks after RGR
Three weeks after leading South Africa to their ‘Greatest Rivalry’ series-clinching win over New Zealand in Baltimore, double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi will make his second Stormers debut against Edinburgh at The Hive Stadium on Friday.
Kolisi played 118 games for the Cape Town outfit between 2012 and 2020 before two spells at the Sharks, either side of an underwhelming stint with Racing 92 in Paris.
The Springbok captain will start at openside flank in what will be his first appearance for the Stormers in six years, following his return to Cape Town.
Kolisi is one of several experienced names in the starting side. Warrick Gelant is selected at full-back and Seabelo Senatla included on the wing.
Centre Ruhan Nel captains the team for the URC encounter.
The Stormers pack also features André-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouché, JD Schickerling and Hacjivah Dayimani, while Stefan Ungerer and Yaqeen Ahmed form the half-back partnership.
“Last week’s performance against Connacht was encouraging in many ways, but we would like to see a more ruthless edge to our game which we have worked on this week,” said DHL Stormers DoR John Dobson.
“We know that Edinburgh is a tough place to play and we have some experience coming in, with Siya, Ntuthuko and Stefan included along with Yaqeen Ahmed and Wandile Mlaba, who are both really exciting young players.
“It will take a big effort from all 23 players to get the result before we go back to Cape Town for what will be a crucial period in the context of our season.”
Among the replacements are Andre Warner, Wandisile Simelane and Adré Smith.
DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel (CAPT), Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Yaqeen Ahmed, Stefan Ungerer, Ntuthuko Mchunu, André-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouché, Riley Norton, JD Schickerling, Siya Kolisi, Louw Nel, Hacjivah Dayimani
Replacements: Vernon Paulo, Vernon Matongo, Sazi Sandi, Connor Evans, Adré Smith, Wandile Mlaba, Andre Warner, Wandisile Simelane
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